Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh Studies

There have been several dozen studies conducted on black cohosh since about 1997. One of the controversies surrounding these studies is that each of them contradict each others. Initial studies, which have been determined to be incorrectly conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  , showed benefits in menopausal women who used a black cohosh supplement.

However, more recent studies show little to no benefits of black cohosh in menopausal women, although some do show a reduction of sweating and hot flashes when taking black cohosh. The problem faced with many of the current studies is only one separated out each individuals symptom as part of the study, which makes it difficult to get a real determination of the effectiveness overall.

Black Cohosh Properties

Black cohosh contains glycosides, isoferulic acid, phytoestrogens, tannis, salicylic acid and fatty acid. With the exception of tannis and the fatty acid, each part of the black cohosh offers a benefit to the human body.

• The glycosides contained in black cohosh are called triterpene glycosides. Triterpene glycosides offer an antibacterial effect in the body. In addition, new research shows the benefit of triterpene glycosides in lowering overall cholesterol, although further research needs to be conducted.
• Isoferulic acids offer anti-inflammatory effects.
• Salicylic acid is used in aspirin. That is why black cohosh can be beneficial as a pain killer. In addition, salicylic acid is often added to topical creams in order to treat eczema.
• Phytoestrogens are essentially estrogen that forms inside of a plant. It is black cohosh’s phytoestrogen properties are part of the reason that black cohosh has been studied so much in recent years. It is hoped that this can become an alternative to other hormone therapy for menopausal women.In some studies, phytoestrogens have been shown to improve heart health as well as reduce bone loss. More studies are currently being conducted.
• Tannis is an anti-nutrient, which means that it is bad for you. However, it only appears in small does in black cohosh. As long as you follow dosing directions, you should not have any issues with the tannis found in black cohosh.

It isn’t known whether the fatty acids in black cohosh are trans or non trans fats. Again, there is so little fatty acid in the plant that it won’t likely affect your body if taken as recommended.

Black Cohosh Benefits

There haven’t been many studies on the benefits of black cohosh outside of the menopausal field. However, many of the assumptions made about the benefits of black cohosh are due to the other properties of black cohosh that have been shown to have benefits or that are currently being studied for their benefits.

Some of the purported benefits of black cohosh are:

• As an anti-depressant
• As an anti-inflammatory
• As a painkiller
• As a sedative
• To inhibit bone loss
• To treat coughing
• To treat sore throat
• To reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis
• To reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Because of the presence of salicylic acid and isoferulic acid, there are several studies being conducted on the benefits of black cohosh in the area of arthritis. Early results are promising in the areas of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, although scientists caution that many more studies need to be conducted.

One of the areas that we have mentioned above that black cohosh is used to treat is menopause. However, the conflicting results in studies have scientists scratching their heads as to if there are any real benefits in this area. One area that has been consistent in most studies is the lack of estrogen changes in the women who have taken black cohosh. Because black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, the body should react to that by seeing an increase in estrogen levels. However, in study after study, there have been no changes. In addition, in the studies that where black cohosh was studied against a placebo, there were no significant differences in the results of the control group (women on placebo) and women who were using black cohosh.

It is important to note that there was only one study that separated individual symptoms for women and in that study, women noted a difference between the intensity of their sweating and hot flashes as compared to their experiences before taking black cohosh. The problem is, this study didn’t compare black cohosh to any other product or placebo, which means it isn’t scientifically significant.

Black Cohosh Side Effects and Interactions

Some of the reported side effects of black cohosh include:

• Stomachache
• Headache
• Gas
• Weight gain
• Heaviness in the legs

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should discontinue use immediately and see your doctor:

• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Stomach pain
• Dark urine

Although there is no evidence to support this, there are some that feel that black cohosh may cause liver damage. Studies of black cohosh do not bear out this theory, it is important that you see a doctor if you experience any of the secondary side-effects listed above.

Several people across the US and Canada who take black cohosh have had liver problems. Although their medical records indicate that they were prime candidates for these issues because of other health problems, it has led to many supplement companies labeling black cohosh with a warning regarding liver problems.

Do not take this if:

• You already have liver problems
• You are pregnant as it is often used to induce labor in women
• You have blood clots
• You are a high risk for stroke
• Have allergies to aspirin or buttercups

If have had a stroke, are on blood pressure medication, are taking birth control or estrogen (or some other hormone replacement drug), are on the cancer drug cisplatin then you should not take black cohosh as it may interfere with your medication.

Long-term use of black cohosh has not been studied, which is why doctors don’t recommend that you take it for longer than 6 months, which is the longest trial of this supplement.

During the trials using black cohosh, side effects were minimal. However, side effects were severe in those who went off label and too additional doses of their supplement. After talking your doctor, use the free supplement finder  provided!