Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa), is a perennial plant that is native to North America. A member of the buttercup family, black cohosh root was used by early Native Americans as a natural medicine, including use as a natural remedy for menopause and other gynecological disorders. Many consider it another alternative to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Preliminary studies have indicated that black cohosh extract significantly reduces the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes. Though there are not any long-term studies of black cohosh extract and whether or not it is an effective natural remedy for menopause, the medical community is starting to study the herbal supplement. At the time of this writing, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes for Health is studying the efficacy of black cohosh as a natural remedy for menopause.
What Is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is considered by the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) to be a dietary supplement. As such, it is regulated as a food and not a drug. The roots and rhizomes of the black cohosh plant are used to create the supplement. Black cohosh supplements are available in pill, capsule, and tincture forms, all of which are available over the counter. Though black cohosh has never been approved as a natural treatment for menopause in the United States, the German government has approved Remifemin for use as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. How black cohosh works in the body to alleviate menopausal symptoms is currently unknown.
The Potential Benefits of Black Cohosh Extract as a Natural Remedy For Menopause
Though long-term studies have yet to be concluded, preliminary reports suggest that there are some benefits to using black cohosh as a natural remedy for menopause.
- In 2001, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists stated, primarily on the basis of expert opinion and consensus, that black cohosh extract can alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
- In a German study of more than 600 women, black cohosh as a natural remedy improved the physical and psychological state of 80% of the participants in four weeks.
- When used as a natural remedy for menopause, black cohosh has been known to reduce hot flashes, profuse sweating, mood imbalance, and headaches associated with menopause.
- The cost of black cohosh supplements is considerably less than that of other hormone replacement therapy treatments, making it an accessible option for those with limited or no prescription health insurance.
- Preliminary research suggests that lack cohosh may also help reduce the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
The Potential Drawbacks of Black Cohosh Extract as a Natural Remedy For Menopause
- Though studies are underway, the long-term side effects of black cohosh extract have not yet been determined in the United States.
- Black cohosh root is currently marketed as a dietary supplement, which means it is regulated as a food, and not a drug.
- Some reported side effects include infrequent digestive discomfort.
- There are mixed reports as to whether or not black cohosh extract stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells or inhibits the growth of the cells.
While the medical community of the United States has yet to jump fully on board with using black cohosh extract as a natural remedy for menopause, women who supplement their diets with black cohosh report few hot flashes, sleeping better, and less headaches. As always, women who are interested in taking black cohosh supplements to treat menopause should speak with their physician or a medical professional.
Resources:
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2002. Accessed January 27, 2009. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh.asp
University of Maryland Medical Center. September 12, 2005. Accessed January 27, 2009. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/black-cohosh-000226.htm
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