Black cohosh is an over-the-counter supplement commonly used by women to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and anxiety. While research indicates that it may help improve your symptoms, there is a concern that black cohosh may damage the liver or raise liver enzymes. Consult your physician before using black cohosh.
Black Cohosh
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that Europeans have used black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms for over 40 years, and Germany’s government has approved it for the treatment of menopause, premenstrual discomfort and painful menstruation. In a clinical study of 120 women suffering from menopausal symptoms, black cohosh proved more effective at treating symptoms than fluoxetine, a common antidepressant. Scientists are currently studying the use of black cohosh for the treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis and even hot flashes related to breast cancer treatments, though the research is still in its earliest stages.
Liver Enzymes
The most common labs used to evaluate your liver function are alanine transminase and aspartate transminase. Inflamed or damaged liver cells leak higher amounts of chemicals into the bloodstream, including liver enzymes, which will show up as elevations in ALT and AST. When liver enzymes are elevated, it indicates inflammation or cellular damage to your liver. The most common causes of elevated liver enzymes are alcohol use, hepatitis A, B or C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, use of over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and certain prescription medications like statins used to control your cholesterol.
The Science
The Mayo Clinic states that liver damage and liver failure has occurred in some people using products containing black cohosh. In some cases, patients have required a liver transplant. Scientists have not made a direct association between the ingestion of the herb and liver damage. However, do not use black cohosh if you have liver damage or drink large quantities of alcohol.
Warnings
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing of herbal supplements. Safety and efficacy standards vary greatly among manufacturers. High doses of black cohosh may cause you to experience abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, joint pains, tremors, visual disturbances and weight gain. Black cohosh may stimulate or inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells; research has produced mixed results. If you have a history of breast cancer, avoid using black cohosh. Scientists have not tested the safety of black cohosh during pregnancy and breast-feeding, so you should avoid the herbs during this time.
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