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Honest Herbalist Varro Tyler speaks out on Black Cohosh

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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

 

 

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