Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black Cohosh has been known to relieve the symptoms of menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mild depression, and arthritis. Has been used as an astringent, diuretic, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory agent as well as for dysmenorrhea or climacteric (menopausal) neurovegetative ailments.

Lieberman, 1998, Shibata, 1980, Jarry, 1985, Newall, 1996

Standardized: 2.5% standardized extract containing Triterpene glycosides 2mg
1 capsule with food 2 x daily

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 500mg
1 capsule with food 2 x daily

Pharmacology:

Phytoestrogens (botanical compounds that mimic estrogens) of Black Cohosh rhizome have mild estrogenic binding effects. These include formononetin (an isoflavone component of the rhizome) and the triterpenoid 27-deoxyactein. Muscular spasms may be decreased due to the reported anti-inflammatory effects of the constituent isoferulic acid. Salicylic acid, which is found in small quantities in Black Cohosh, is presumed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Hypothalamus-pituitary function is believed to be affected by the Cimicifugoside contained in Black Cohosh. Standardized extracts have been demonstrated to improve menopausal and premenopausal symptoms in clinical studies. Black Cohosh, because of its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties, has been used in the support of rheumatic complaints. Active constituents of the plant were found to bind directly to estrogen receptors and suppress the release of leutinizing hormone. Acteina, a constituent in Black Cohosh, has been studied for use in treating peripheral arterial disease.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Black Cohosh may cause nausea, vomiting, headache and hypotension at higher dosages and should be used with caution in individuals allergic to salicylates--it is not known whether the amount of salicylic acid is likely to affect platelet aggregation or have other effects associated with salicylates. Monitoring of serum hormone levels is recommended after 6 months of treatment with Black Cohosh. The use of Black Cohosh during pregnancy is contraindicated because of increased risk of spontaneous abortion and, as with all herbal supplements, should not be used by lactating mothers. Even though Phytoestrogen-containing herbs have not been associated with the negative health effects seen with synthetic estrogen, they should be used with caution in individuals on hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives or with a history of thromboembolic disease or stroke. Do not use in individuals with a history of estrogen-dependent tumors or endometrial cancer. Large doses may induce miscarriage because of the herb's estrogenic effects.

Theoretical Interactions:

Oral contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy and antihypertensives (due to the potential for enhanced hypotensive effect).

References:

Lieberman, S, "A Review of the Effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) for the Symptoms of Menopause," J Women's Health, 1998 7 (5): 525-9.

Shibata M, Ikoma M, Onoda M, et al, "Pharmacological Studies on the Chinese Crude Drug "Shoma". III. Central Depressant and Antispasmodic Actions of Cimicifuga rhizoma, Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk," Yakugaku Zasshi, 1980, 100 (11): 1143-50.

Jarry H, Harnischfeger G, and Duker E, "The Endocrine Effects of Constituents of Cimicifuga racemosa 2. In Vitro Binding of Constituents to Estrogen Receptors," Planta Med, 1985, (4): 316-9.

Newall,CA, Anderson LA, and Phillipson JD, Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Heath Care Professionals, London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 250-2.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs," Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Black Cohosh Standardized Herbal Supplement 9.97

Black Cohosh Herbal Supplement 500 mg 8.99

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