EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION:
Article From University of Maryland
Medical Center.
Black cohosh
Overview:
More than two centuries ago, Native
Americans discovered that the root of the
black cohosh plant (Actaea racemosa,
formerly known as Cimicifuga racemosa)
helped relieve menstrual cramps and
symptoms of menopause, such as hot
flashes, irritability, mood swings, and
sleep disturbances. Today, people use
black cohosh for these same reasons. In
fact, the herb has been widely used for
more than 40 years in Europe and is
approved in Germany for premenstrual
discomfort, painful menstruation, and
menopausal symptoms.
Menopausal Symptoms
Quite a few clinical studies confirm that
the use of black cohosh is effective for
improving menopausal symptoms,
although some have found no
improvement. Early German studies
found black cohosh improved physical
and psychological menopausal
symptoms, including anxiety, hot flashes,
night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
In a clinical study of 120 women with the
menopausal symptoms, black cohosh
was more effective in relieving hot flashes
and night sweats than the antidepressant
fluxetine (Prozac).
Given the results of most clinical studies,
many experts conclude that black cohosh
may be a safe and effective alternative for
women who cannot or will not take
hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for
menopause.
Hot Flashes Related to Breast
Cancer Treatments
Breast cancer medications such as
tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can cause hot
flashes. While many breast cancer
patients may take black cohosh to
reduce the number and intensity of hot
flashes, two well-designed studies
concluded that the herb is no more
effective than placebo. In addition, Yale
researchers report that herbal medicines
such as black cohosh may interfere with
common breast cancer treatments, such
as radiation and cancer therapy drugs.
There has been some concern that black
cohosh may contain plant based
estrogens, or phytoestrogens, which can
stimulate the growth of breast tumors.
However, a case-control clinical study of
949 breast cancer cases and 1,524
controls found that black cohosh use had
significant protective effects against
breast cancer development
Arthritis (please check out our link
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Preliminary studies suggest that black
cohosh may help reduce inflammation
associated osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis. In a review of scientific studies,
researchers concluded that a combination
of black cohosh, willow bark (Salix
spp.), sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.),
guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale) resin, and
poplar bark (Populus tremuloides) may
help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
However, there is not enough human
research to make a clear
recommendation about the use of black
cohosh alone for arthritis.
Osteoporosis
Laboratory studies have found that plant
based estrogens (called phytoestrogens)
in black cohosh may inhibit bone loss,
such as seen with osteoporosis. More
clinical studies need to be performed.
What's It Made Of?:
Black cohosh contains glycosides (sugar
compounds), isoferulic acids (substances
with anti-inflammatory effects), and,
possibly, phytoestrogens (plant based
estrogens), among several other active
substances.
Adult:
For black cohosh tincture, that equals 2 -
4 ml, three times per day in water or tea.
Although used traditionally, teas may not
be as effective in relieving menopausal
symptoms as the standardized extract of
black cohosh.
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored
approach to strengthening the body and
treating disease. However, herbs contain
active substances that can trigger side
effects and interact with other herbs,
supplements, or medications. For these
reasons, herbs should be taken with care,
under the supervision of a health care
provider.
Some individuals taking high doses of
black cohosh report side effects,
including abdominal pain, diarrhea,
dizziness, headaches, joint pains, nausea,
slow heart rate, tremors, visual dimness,
and vomiting.
It is not clear whether black cohosh
stimulates the growth of breast cancer
cells or inhibits their growth. Research
has been limited and has produced mixed
results. Women with a history of breast
cancer, and those at a high risk for
developing breast cancer (for example, a
strong family history like a mother or
sister with breast cancer), should not
take black cohosh without talking to a
health care provider.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women
should avoid black cohosh as the
herb may stimulate contractions and
lead to premature labor.
Possible Interactions:
There are no known scientific reports of
interactions between black cohosh and
conventional medications. However, as
stated above, Yale researchers report
that herbal medicines such as black
cohosh may interfere with common
breast cancer treatments such as
radiation and cancer therapy drugs.
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