Tips on food selection, purchasing, preparation and storage.
Resources related to food safety.
Resources related to food security, local food systems, and interventions that mediate or reduce food insecurity and hunger.
Nutrition and health information for all ages.
dietary supplement graphic

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh comes from the root of an eastern North American perennial wildflower. The plant has common names such as black snakeroot, rattleweed, rattleroot, bugbane, bugwort, and squaw root. American Indians were the first to use Black cohosh by boiling the root in water to make a drink that was used to help relieve menstrual cramps. It is currently used to relieve symptoms of menopause, including mood swings and hot flashes. The exact chemical constituents of black cohosh are unknown and human studies are fairly limited, so specific physiological effects on humans are unknown. The primary active constituents are thought to be triterpene glycosides, but isoflavones, alkaloids, and phenolic acid compounds might also exert some effects.


Claimed Health Beliefs

  • Relieves symptoms of menopause including

  • Mood swings

  • Hot flashes

  • Headaches

  • Night sweats


Food Sources

None


Dosage

20 to 40 mg of black cohosh extract is recommended two times per day. In order to see a decrease in menopausal symptoms, supplementation should continue for 4-8 weeks


Evidence for Health Beliefs

  • Animal experimental studies have also shown that this extract exerts an estrogenic effect by binding to estrogen receptors, but these results cannot be extrapolated to humans (1).

  • In rabbits, cats, and dogs, lowered blood pressures were observed when given a steroidal derivative of Black cohosh called actein (2,3). Observations in humans with normal and elevated blood pressure resulted in no blood pressure lowering effects, although some subjects experienced low blood pressure in the extremities.

  • Animal studies have also shown that black cohosh prevents bone resorption (bone breakdown), and helps with depression by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain (www.supplementwatch.com).

  • In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of black cohosh to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, which might be evidence that black cohosh blocks the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen (4).

  • Clinical studies have been conducted using a commercially available extract of black cohosh (Remifemin) on women suffering from menopausal symptoms. The studies have lasted from 4-8 weeks, and the results showed that the women experienced a decrease in hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, depression, and insomnia. Some women were even able to discontinue the use of their hormone replacement therapy while taking black cohosh supplements(4).


Cautions

GI discomfort and premature labor has been associated with the use of black cohosh. Therefore, pregnant women or women of child-bearing age should avoid taking black cohosh.


References

1. Lawrence Review of Natural Products, April, 1986.

2. E. Genazzani and L. Sorrentino: Nature 194: 544-545, 1962.

3. S. Corsano, G. Piancatelli, and L. Panizzi: Gazzetta Chimica Italiana 99: 915-932, 1969.

4. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=48 Accessed May 6, 2003.

5. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc.; 1993.