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]

This article is for your reference only. Consult with your doctor, if you have any
questions or before using any supplement. All rights reserved 2006, zhion. Do not copy
nor transfer this article to other web-site without permission.

                                                                 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