Other names:Black Cohosh is also known as Baneberry, Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimifuga racemosa, Phytoestrogen, Rattle Root, Snakeroot, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Squawroot. History and Current Use:Black Cohosh has long been used by Native Americans for female problems, for which reason it is also known as "sqwauroot". When taken orally, Black Cohosh seems to significantly reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. There is some evidence that it is as effective as estrogen for some patients. It takes about 4 weeks of treatment before there is significant improvement in symptoms. Black Cohosh does not seem to be effective in treating hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer. Other uses for Black Cohosh include: inducing labor in pregnant women, premestrual syndrome, dyusmenorrhea, nervous tension, dyspepsia, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, cough, insect repellent, sedative. Topically Black Cohosh is used to treat rattlesnake bites. |
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The active constituents of Black Cohosh are: phytosterin, isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long chain fatty acids, triterpine glycosides which include acetin, cimicifugoside and 27-deoxyacetin. These are derived from the rhizome and root.
The mechanism os action of Black Cohosh is unknown. Some clinical evidence suggests that it suppresses leutinizing hormone seceretion while other studies have shown no change.
Whether Black Cohosh has an estrogen-like effect on osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease is unknown.
When taken orally Black Cohosh can cause gastrointestinal upset.. Other potential adverse effects include: headache, dizziness, weight gain, feeling of heaviness in the legs, cramping.
An overdose of Black Cohosh can cause nausea, vomiting, nervous system and visual disturbances, reduced heart rate, and perspiration.
Thee is one case report of nighttime seizures in a woman who used Black Cohosh, evening primrose oil, and chasteberry.
There are no known food, drug and herb interactions with Black Cohosh.
Black Cohosh may reduce serum leutinizing hormone concentrations and test results.
Because Black Cohosh seems to have estrogenic effects it should be avoided in women with hormone sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Black Cohosh has menstrual and utrine stimulant effects, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. Black Cohosh is contraindicated in preterm pregnant women.
There is some concern that when taken in large doses by nursing mothers, Black Cohosh can have an adverse effect on the nursing child. Nursing mothers should avoid Black Cohosh until more information is available.