| BLACK COHOSH SIDE EFFECTS, BENEFITS zhion@zhion.com |
Actaea racemosa L (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa [L] Nutt) (Ranunculaceae),
commonly known as black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane,
bugwort, rattleroot and rattleweed, is an herb native to Eastern North
America.
The roots and rhizomes of black cohosh have been believed among
Native Americans to have benefits on various conditions unique to women
such as amenorrhea and menopause. It may also benefit people suffered
from arthritis and muscle pain. [NCCAM]
The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used
fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts
used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinutures). [NCCAM]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK COHOSH
Studies have demonstrated that this botanic medicine, when
standardized properly to the terpene glycoside fraction, appears to have
health benefits on alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes,
and menopausal anxiety and depression. Extracts also have been shown
to have benefits for younger women suffering hormonal deficits following
ovariectomy or hysterectomy, as well as for juvenile menstrual disorders.
[1-6]
Its mechanism of action may involve estrogenic effects, but new data
dispute the estrogenic theory and indicate that extracts of black cohosh
do not bind to the estrogen receptor, up-regulate estrogen-dependent
genes, or stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors in animal
models. [2]
There are not enough reliable data to determine if black cohosh is
effective for rheumatism or other uses. [NCCAM]
BLACK COHOSH SIDE EFFECTS
Huntley A et al from University of Exter, UK, systematically review data
from various sources including reports from World Health Organization
and national drug safety bodies and sixteen manufacturers. They found
that adverse events or side effects with black cohosh are rare, mild, and
reversible. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes are the most common side
effects of black cohosh. However, a few serious side effects have
happened, including hepatic and circulatory conditions [4]. But, it is not
clear if black cohosh caused the problem. [NCCAM]
No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and
prescription medicines. [NCCAM] It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for
women who have had breast cancer or for pregnant women.
Black cohosh is different from blue cohosh. They have different properties,
benefits and side effects. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue
cohosh to stimulate labor, but this therapy has caused adverse effects in
newborns, which appear to be due to blue cohosh. [NCCAM] Otherwise, it
would seem that black cohosh is a safe herb under common conditions.
[3, 5]
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REFERENCES
[1] Kligler B Black cohosh. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jul 1;68(1):114-6. [2] Mahady GB Is black
cohosh estrogenic? Nutr Rev. 2003 May;61(5 Pt 1):183-6. [3] Huntley A et al A systematic review of
the safety of black cohosh. Menopause. 2003 Jan-Feb;10(1):58-64. [4] Whiting PW et al Black
cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust. 2002 Oct
21;177(8):440-3. [5] McKenna DJ Black cohosh: efficacy, safety, and use in clinical and preclinical
applications. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 May-Jun;7(3):93-100. [6] Lieberman S A review of the
effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. J Womens
Health. 1998 Jun;7(5):525-9. [NCCAM] Black Cohosh, National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Online Publication, December 10, 2005
commonly known as black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane,
bugwort, rattleroot and rattleweed, is an herb native to Eastern North
America.
The roots and rhizomes of black cohosh have been believed among
Native Americans to have benefits on various conditions unique to women
such as amenorrhea and menopause. It may also benefit people suffered
from arthritis and muscle pain. [NCCAM]
The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used
fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts
used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinutures). [NCCAM]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK COHOSH
Studies have demonstrated that this botanic medicine, when
standardized properly to the terpene glycoside fraction, appears to have
health benefits on alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes,
and menopausal anxiety and depression. Extracts also have been shown
to have benefits for younger women suffering hormonal deficits following
ovariectomy or hysterectomy, as well as for juvenile menstrual disorders.
[1-6]
Its mechanism of action may involve estrogenic effects, but new data
dispute the estrogenic theory and indicate that extracts of black cohosh
do not bind to the estrogen receptor, up-regulate estrogen-dependent
genes, or stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors in animal
models. [2]
There are not enough reliable data to determine if black cohosh is
effective for rheumatism or other uses. [NCCAM]
BLACK COHOSH SIDE EFFECTS
Huntley A et al from University of Exter, UK, systematically review data
from various sources including reports from World Health Organization
and national drug safety bodies and sixteen manufacturers. They found
that adverse events or side effects with black cohosh are rare, mild, and
reversible. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes are the most common side
effects of black cohosh. However, a few serious side effects have
happened, including hepatic and circulatory conditions [4]. But, it is not
clear if black cohosh caused the problem. [NCCAM]
No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and
prescription medicines. [NCCAM] It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for
women who have had breast cancer or for pregnant women.
Black cohosh is different from blue cohosh. They have different properties,
benefits and side effects. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue
cohosh to stimulate labor, but this therapy has caused adverse effects in
newborns, which appear to be due to blue cohosh. [NCCAM] Otherwise, it
would seem that black cohosh is a safe herb under common conditions.
[3, 5]
HOME
REFERENCES
[1] Kligler B Black cohosh. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jul 1;68(1):114-6. [2] Mahady GB Is black
cohosh estrogenic? Nutr Rev. 2003 May;61(5 Pt 1):183-6. [3] Huntley A et al A systematic review of
the safety of black cohosh. Menopause. 2003 Jan-Feb;10(1):58-64. [4] Whiting PW et al Black
cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust. 2002 Oct
21;177(8):440-3. [5] McKenna DJ Black cohosh: efficacy, safety, and use in clinical and preclinical
applications. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 May-Jun;7(3):93-100. [6] Lieberman S A review of the
effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. J Womens
Health. 1998 Jun;7(5):525-9. [NCCAM] Black Cohosh, National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Online Publication, December 10, 2005
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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
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