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What
is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant native
to the eastern deciduous forests of East-northeast in China.
The dried root and rhizome are used medicinally. When harvested
from the wild, the root is black in color. Cohosh, an Algonquin
Indian word meaning "rough," refers to the plants
gnarly root structure.
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Why
Black Cohosh? Black Cohosh Benefits
Native Americans valued the herb and
used it for many conditions, ranging from gynecological
problems to rattlesnake bites. Some 19th century American
physicians used black cohosh for fever, menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and insomnia. Black cohosh has been used in connection
with the following conditions:
- Menopause
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)Osteoporosis,
Premenstrual syndrome
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Black
Cohosh Supplements (Black Cohosh Ingredients)
Black cohosh contains several ingredients,
including triterpene glycosides (e.g., acetin and 27-deoxyactein)
and isoflavones (e.g., formononetin). Other constituents
include aromatic acids, tannins, resins, fatty acids, starches,
and sugars. As a woman approaches menopause, the signals
between the ovaries and pituitary gland diminish, slowing
down estrogen production and increasing luteinizing hormone
(LH) secretions. Hot flashes can result from these hormonal
changes. Earlier animal studies and a human clinical trial
suggested that black cohosh had some estrogen activity in
the body and also decreased LH secretions. However, more
recent animal studies and a clinical trial8 have found no
estrogen activity for black cohosh extracts. Further clinical
trials are needed to determine whether black cohosh has
significant estrogenic actions in the body.
Small German clinical trials support
the usefulness of black cohosh for women with hot flashes
associated with menopause. A review of eight clinical trials
found black cohosh to be both safe and effective for symptomatic
relief of menopausal hot flashes. Other symptoms which improved
included night sweats, insomnia, nervousness, and irritability.
A clinical trial compared the effects of 40 mg versus 130
mg of black cohosh in menopausal women with complaints of
hot flashes. While hot flashes were reduced equally at both
amounts, there was no evidence of any estrogenic effect
in any of the women. Although further trials are needed,
this trial suggests that black cohosh is best reserved only
for the symptomatic treatment of hot flashes associated
with menopause and is not thought to be a substitute for
hormone replacement therapy in menopausal and postmenopausal
women.
A recent study suggests black cohosh
may protect animals from osteoporosis. Human studies have
not confirmed this action.
>
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What
To Know Before Taking Black Cohosh Supplements?
How much is usually taken?
Black cohosh can be taken in several
forms, including crude, dried root or rhizome (300-2,000
mg per day), or as a solid, dry powdered extract (250 mg
three times per day). Standardized extracts of the herb
are available. The recommended amount is 20-40 mg twice
per day. The best researched extract provides 1 mg of deoxyactein
per mg of extract. Tinctures can be taken at 2-4 ml three
times per day. Black cohosh can be taken for up to six months,
and then it should be discontinued.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Black cohosh should not be used by pregnant
or breast-feeding women. Very large amounts (over several
grams daily) of this herb may cause abdominal pain, nausea,
headaches, and dizziness. Black cohosh is not a substitute
for hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
Are there any drug interactions?
There are no well-known drug interactions
with black cohosh.
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