Guest guest Posted April 30, 2004 Report Share Posted April 30, 2004 Honest Herbalist Varro Tyler Speaks on Black Cohosh Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a woodland plant native to North America. It was used by the Native Americans primarily in the treatment of women’s diseases. The roots and racemes (underground stems) are the medicinal parts of the plant. The therapeutic activity of black cohosh is due to some of its constituents, primarily triterpenes and flavonoids. Some of these compounds act on the pituitary to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is associated with many of the symptoms such as hot flashes, nightsweats, headaches, heart palpitations, and the drying and thinning of the vaginal walls. Unlike hormone replacement therapy (a combination of estrogen and progestin), black cohosh is selective in its effect and does not alter the production of the other pituitary hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin. The result is fewer side effects than standard hormone replacement therapy. In an uncontrolled study of 812 women, black cohosh had a positive effect on the psychological symptoms of menopause. Over a 12 week period, the plant extract improved conditions such as irritability, anxiety, difficulties in concentration, depression, hot flashes, and sleeplessness. Forty-one percent of the women reported " very good " results, and another 41 percent reported " good " results with the proprietary extract made in Germany. A double-blind study compared black cohosh extract with conjugated estrogens and a placebo in 80 participants over a 12 week period. The effectiveness of the herb was superior for both the psychological and physiological symptoms of menopause. Another trial found black cohosh more effective than a placebo at relieving hot flashes and vaginal dryness in 110 women. Black cohosh has been approved by the German equivalent of the FDA (Commission E) for the treatment of PMS, painful menstruation, and menopausal symptoms. A therapeutic daily dose is 40 milligrams. The contraindications or drug interactions are known. Long-term safety has not been evaluated and experts recommend limiting treatment to three to six months. Black cohosh should not be mistaken for the blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), as safety and efficacy has not been established for the latter. It is also recommended that you consult with a physician before self-medicating with black cohosh. -Leela Devi, MSN, RN Reference: Tyler, Varro. The Hohest Herbalist: The Bright Side of Black Cohosh. Prevention, April 1997, pp. 76-79 Source: American Botanical Council www. herbalgram.org This information is provided by the American Botanical Council (ABC), the world's leading nonprofit education and research organization plants and phytomedicines. Join ABC and mention this article and you will receive their entire botanical booklet series, including one on Black Cohosh, along with many other premiums as benefits of membership. To support the work of ABC through membership, log on to their website, www.herbalgram.org or contact Debbie Jones at (512) 926-4900, ext.106 or email djones Return to newsletter contents Search Newsletter Archives http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/learning/news/newsletter_content.jhtml?relativePath\ =%2Fcontent%2Fhealthbuzz%2F2001%2Fmayjun%2Fblackcohosh.htm & title=Honest+Herbalis\ t+Varro+Tyler _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process discussed. Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at HotJobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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