Overview
Black cohosh root is the knotty, blackish rhizome of the North American woodland herb of the same name. This member of the buttercup family has a long history of use in treating a variety of conditions, ranging from hives to constipation to malaria. Today, preparations made from the rootstock of the plant are primarily used to treat symptoms associated with menopause as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
Botanical Background
Currently, the accepted scientific name for black cohosh is Actaea racemosa. However, since this plant was previously listed as Cimicifuga racemosa for many years, you may find it listed that way in some books and articles. Some authors give both names when referring to black cohosh to help avoid confusion. Black cohosh is also known by several common names, such as black snakeroot, macrotys, rattlesnake root, rattleweed, bugbane and bugwort.
History of Use
North American natives used black cohosh extensively. The Oklahoma Delaware used it as a general tonic, while the Iroquois and Cherokee brewed the root with alcohol to treat rheumatism. Early European settlers learned how to use black cohosh from these tribes, and by the early 19th century black cohosh was a common home remedy for rheumatism, colic, fever and nervous conditions. In 1849, only two years after its inception, the American Medical Association began reporting on the use of black cohosh to resolve uterine disorders and other “female complaints.” Although studies continue to investigate the effects of black cohosh, you are more likely to encounter its use in a clinical environment when consulting a naturopathic physician or homeopath rather than a conventional medical doctor.
Composition
Black cohosh root is the part of the plant that contains several compounds with medicinal properties, most notably glycosides and alkaloids. The root also contains salicylic acid, the basic building block of aspirin.
Pharmacological Action
Certain plant glycosides appear to suppress a specific hormone that tends to increase as estrogen levels decline in middle age. If you’re a woman who is approaching menopause, this is significant because elevated levels of this hormone cause unpleasant symptoms–namely, hot flashes.
While black cohosh root produces estrogenic effects, it does not reduce levels of FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone. This is of benefit to you since low levels of FSH during menopause are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Clinical Evidence
According to the National Institutes of Health, several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of black cohosh root in reducing unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Many of these studies were based on the use of a non-prescription medication known as Remifemin, which is standardized to contain 20 mg of black cohosh root and rhizome.
Cautions
Black cohosh root is considered safe in therapeutic dosages. According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, the recommended daily dosage is 60 to 120 mg in capsule or tablet form.
In terms of side effects, headache and stomach upset have been reported. In rare cases, liver complications have occurred. You should not take this herb while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, or during pregnancy due to an increased risk of miscarriage. In addition, black cohosh root heightens the effects of high blood pressure medications.
About this Author
Karyn Maier has been a freelance writer since 1992. She specializes in health and wellness, particularly botanical therapies, and has written feature articles and columns for many national magazines, including The Herb Quarterly, Mother Earth News, Delicious!, Better Nutrition, Natural Pharmacy, and Energy Times. She is also the author of four natural health-related books.
