The Consumer Guide to Black Cohosh
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Black cohosh preparations are derived from the root and rhizome of a shrub-like plant (Cimicifuga racemosa) also known as black snakeroot. The name black cohosh is derived from the dark color and the rough and gnarly structure of the root. (Cohosh is Algonquin for "rough.") The plant is native to eastern forests of North America.
Traditional uses: Black cohosh is a popular Native American and folk remedy for female ailments and menstrual cramps, as well as fatigue, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory conditions like bronchitis. It was an ingredient in Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, a best-selling women’s patent medicine of the late 19th century, at which time the herb was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary.
Under the name "shoma," Traditional Chinese Medicine has long employed other Cimicifuga species (e.g., C. foetida, C. simplex Wormsk.) for similar purposes, as well as for alleviation of fever, pain, and inflammation.
Potential benefits: Black cohosh is also widely used in Germany for discomfort from menopause. It may have uses as a sedative and anti-inflammatory, and can lower blood pressure and possibly help control diabetes.
How do scientists think it works? Animal studies have provided conflicting results on the question of whether black cohosh has estrogen-like effects in women. However, research involving animals and humans indicates that Black Cohosh contains substances with endocrine (hormonal) activity. In menopausal women and animals, Black Cohosh extract reduces the serum concentration of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), which is associated with negative physical and psychic effects of pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause, such as hot flashes, uterine spasms, depression, and dysmenorrhea. Numerous clinical studies indicate that the herb suppresses the increase in LH and may offer an effective, slower-acting alternative to estrogen therapy. Experiments conducted in vivo and in vitro indicate that the LH suppressive effect may be initiated by three types of compounds that (1) do not bind to estrogen receptors but suppress release of LH; (2) bind to estrogen receptors and suppress LH; (3) bind to estrogen receptors with no effect on LH.
In experimental rodents, constituents of Black Cohosh reduced inflammation in response to influenza infections, via inhibition of interleukin 8—a compound that stimulates congregation of pro-inflammatory neutrophils (white blood cells).
In Europe, Black Cohosh extract is also used as a therapy for spastic parametropathy, a neurovegetative disorder of the pelvis.
Black Cohosh contains triterpene glycosides, including actein, racemoside, 27-deoxyactein, and cimicifugoside. An isoflavone called formononetin has been identified as binding to estrogen receptors in the rat uterus, and cimicifugoside is believed to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary system, with effects on the reproductive and nervous systems. Aromatic acids (ferulic acid and isoferulic acid) are believed responsible for the drug’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Types of products: It comes in capsules, concentrated drops, and extracts. The most popular products (e.g., Remifemin) are standardized to contain a minimum of 2.5% triterpene glycosides.
Safety: This herb promotes menstruation and should be avoided during pregnancy. It has other potential side effects, and is should be used under the supervision of an educated practitioner.
Traditional Uses
Potential Benefits
How Do Scientists Think It Works?
Types Of Products
Safety
Black Cohosh References
Black Cohosh Abstract
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Black Cohosh Abstract
Title: Cimicifuga and Melbrosia lack oestrogenic effects in mice and rats
Author: Einer-Jensen N; Zhao J; Andersen KP; Kristoffersen K
Address: Department of Physiology, Odense University, Denmark
Source: Maturitas, 25(2):149-53 1996 Oct
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The natural medicines, Cimicifuga and Melbrosia, are widely sold. Cimicifuga is an extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.), and Melbrosia is a mixture of Gel´ee Royale, perga-pollen and pollen. Cimicifuga and Melbrosia are used through self- medication to relieve symptoms of hot flushes and other menstrual or menopausal discomfort in many of the Danish women consulting private gynaecologists. A gynaecologist tends to treat these symptoms with oestrogen, so the present experiments were therefore made to investigate whether Cimicifuga and Melbrosia have oestrogenic effects as defined by the classical biological methods: uterine growth in immature mice and vaginal cornification in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Vehicle, 6, 60 or 600 mg/kg Cimicifuga or 30, 300 or 3000 mg/kg Melbrosia was administered orally for 3 days to groups of 10 immature mice and the uterus weight measured on the fourth day. Similarly, vehicle, 6, 60, 600 mg/kg Cimicifuga or 3, 30, 300 mg/kg Melbrosia was injected subcutaneously in groups of 12 ovariectomized rats for 3 days and vaginal smears investigated for signs of cornified cells. All experiments were repeated once. RESULTS: No signs of an oestrogenic effect connected with the preparations were found in any of the experiments. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the eventual beneficial effects on menstrual or menopausal discomfort connected with Cimicifuga and Melbrosia self-medication cannot be explained as a traditional oestrogenic effect as measured in biological experiments.
Language Eng Unique Identifier 97061576 MESH Headings Animal; Climacteric DE; Denmark; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Estrogens, Non- Steroidal *PD; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Plant Extracts *PD; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sex Maturation *DE; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Uterus DE Publication Type JOURNAL ARTICLE ISSN 0378-5122 Country of Publication IRELAND
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