Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Main active constituents

Phytosterin, the isoflavone formononentin; isoferulic, fukinolic, caffeic, and salicylic acids, sugars, tannins, long chain fatty acids, 15-20% resins including cimicifugin and triterpene glycosides.

Physiological Effects

Parts Used: Rhizomes and roots

Traditional Use and Health Benefits

Used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the Americas, the Black Cohosh root was a valuable herbal remedy for many complaints. It was primarily used to treat all manner of gynecological problems including menopause symptoms, painful periods and difficult childbirth. Other uses included; sore throats, kidney problems and depression.

Black Cohosh Benefits

Menopause

A stark drop in estrogen levels is responsible for bringing on the symptoms of menopause. Some researchers believe that Black Cohosh might exert its effects on menopausal symptoms through a brain-related action, such as modulation of serotonergic pathways, or through its potential ability to act as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or selective estrogen receptor modulator.

It has been extensively studied, with many results showing that Black Cohosh does indeed alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety and mood swings. In a German study involving 629 women, Black Cohosh improved physical and psychological menopausal symptoms in more than 80% of the participants within four weeks. In another study, 80 menopausal women were treated for 12 weeks with Black Cohosh extract, conjugated estrogens or a placebo. Black Cohosh improved anxiety, menopause and vaginal symptoms. In addition, the number of hot flashes dropped from 5 to less than 1 average daily occurrence in the Black Cohosh group compared to those taking estrogen in whom hot flashes dropped from 5 to 3.5 daily occurrences.

Whilst the jury is still out as to whether Black Cohosh has an estrogenic effect, certain complex chemicals, especially triterpenes and flavonoids, are believed to be the active constituents. Some of these apparently act on the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). High levels of LH in the blood are often associated with menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, heart palpitations and drying and thinning of the vagina.

Black Cohosh can also have an impact on the hormonal balance of the body, making it useful to combat mood swings and stress brought about by PMS or the menopause.

Menstrual Issues

This adaptable herb can be useful in managing erratic periods and/or easing cramps and uterine tension. It can also stimulate menstrual bleeding and improve uterine tone

Anti-Inflammatory

The salicylic acid in Black Cohosh is responsible for its anti-inflammatory action. Salicylic acid is the base for the active ingredient in aspirin, making this herb an ideal natural alternative to take when you would normally reach for the painkillers. The anti-inflammatory nature of Black Cohosh makes it useful for arthritis, sore throats and even high blood pressure. It also works as a vasodilator, reducing stress on the cardiovascular system, thus contributing to the health of the heart.

Anti-Spasmodic

The traditional use of Black Cohosh for period pains can be attributed to its ability to act as a powerful anti-spasmodic (relieving muscle cramps and aiding nerve function). This anti-spasmodic activity in conjunction with its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties makes Black Cohosh a great herb for aches and pains related to muscle strain/injury or chronic nervous tension.

Contraindications/Precautions

Do not take Black Cohosh if:

You are taking Tamoxifen: Black cohosh may interfere with the action of tamoxifen, but clinical relevance is not known.

You are taking Chemotherapy drugs: Black cohosh may increase the toxicity of doxorubicin and docetaxel. Clinical significance has yet to be determined.
You are taking drugs that are substrates of Cytochrome P450 3A4: Black cohosh may increase the side effects of these drugs.
You are taking Simvastatin: Black cohosh and actein (a compound isolated from black cohosh) have synergistic effects with simvastatin, resulting in increased activity. But there is also potential for increased side effects.

Disclaimer

This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.