Research Publications on Black Cohosh for Women Health
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has been highlighted for its effectiveness in managing menopausal symptoms, offering a safer, hormone-free alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While not as potent as HRT, Black Cohosh provides significant relief from vasomotor symptoms associated with natural menopause, particularly suitable for breast cancer patients due to its non-estrogenic nature.
Clinical trials and studies support its efficacy in reducing early menopausal symptoms, including improvements in vasomotor, psychiatric, physical, and sexual symptoms, without reported side effects. Despite these benefits, the specific active components and the mechanism of action remain to be fully elucidated, calling for further research to develop safe, effective, and patient-friendly Black Cohosh products for menopausal symptom relief.
Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review; Pharmaceuticals, 2022; Link
The review highlights that Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) extract is more effective than placebo in managing vasomotor symptoms of natural menopause but less effective than hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using oral estrogen and progesterone (O+P). Transdermal O+P therapy ranks highest for symptom relief, with oral O+P showing more side effects. CR extract, while not as potent as HRT, offers a safer, hormone-free alternative, particularly suitable for breast cancer patients due to its non-estrogenic nature. Despite its benefits, the specific phytochemicals responsible for its action remain unidentified, and its mechanism remains unclear, necessitating further research. Future efforts should also focus on developing a safe, affordable, and patient-friendly CR product to provide relief from menopausal symptoms.
Efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) in treating early symptoms of menopause: a randomized clinical trial; Chinese Medicine, 2013; Link
This study assessed the efficacy of Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) in alleviating early menopausal symptoms. Conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 84 participants at Tehran health centers, it evaluated the effects of daily 6.5 mg Black cohosh extract over 8 weeks using the Greene climacteric scale (GCS). Results showed significant improvements in the treatment group's GCS total and subscale scores (vasomotor, psychiatric, physical, and sexual symptoms) at both 4 and 8 weeks, with no side effects reported. This indicates that Black cohosh is effective in reducing early menopausal symptoms.
Black Cohosh and Chasteberry: Herbs Valued by Women for Centuries; CLINICAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS, 1998; Link
The clinical efficacy of black cohosh in treating women with symptoms of menopause has been demonstrated in 5 controlled studies comparing the extract with a placebo or with estrogen therapy. These research studies found that black cohosh extract, at doses of 80-160 mg/day, produced significant changes in the Kupperman index and a series of standard psychometric scales that rate menopausal symptoms. These results support the therapeutic efficacy of black cohosh extract in menopausal women.
