Taking its name from its dark gnarled root, black cohosh, or Cimicufuga racemosa, has a long history in the treatment of female disorders. The plant is native to North America, where it grows wild along roadsides and in meadows. It also is called snakeroot because it was once the herb of choice for treating venomous snakebites; today black cohosh is an alternative remedy for menopausal and PMS symptoms. Check with your doctor before using black cohosh.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are mild plant forms of estrogen, such as isoflavones and genistein. Sold in supplements, herbal teas, tinctures and ointments, phytoestrogens are a natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. While some women report benefits from taking phytoestrogens, Winnifred B. Cutler, Ph.D., author of "Hormones and Your Health: The Smart Woman's Guide to Hormonal and Alternative Therapies for Menopause," reports that these weak plant estrogens may be no more effective than a placebo for treating menopausal symptoms.
Black Cohosh Constituents
Black cohosh, despite its popularity as an herbal alternative to HRT, may not contain phytoestrogens. According to the "Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide," the herb contains triterpene glycosides, alkaloids, fatty acids, resins, tannins and salicylic acids. Controversy exists as to whether the herb contains formononetin, an isoflavone. The presence of triterpene glycosides may give black cohosh its health benefits.
Potential Benefits of Black Cohosh
Despite the potential absence of phytoestrogens, anecdotal evidence suggests that black cohosh may have an effect on estrogen receptors, an effect that might reduce some symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome. Potential benefits include the treatment of hot flashes, night sweats, menopause-related insomnia, irritability and menstrual migraines. Clinical studies confirming these benefits are lacking.
Products
Black cohosh is readily available in health food stores as tea, capsules or extract. Herbal remedy manufacturers may combine black cohosh with other natural ingredients, such as soy isoflavones and red clover, which contain phytoestrogens.
Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not oversee the production of herbal remedies, so there is no assurance of consistent quality or effectiveness. Side effects are not common but include headache, tremors, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and rashes. Women with a history of breast cancer should not take black cohosh. Also, do not take black cohosh if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. See your doctor before using black cohosh to treat any medical condition.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- "Hormones and Your Health; The Smart Woman's Guide to Hormonal and Alternative Therapies for Menopause"; Winnifred B. Cutler, Ph.D.; 2009
- "Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide"; Lesley Braun; 2007
- Creighton University Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh Risks and Side Effects
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