| 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
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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