Black Cohosh, Liver Disorder Link

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Here we go again!

 

 

EU, UK Warn About Black Cohosh, Liver Disorder Link

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Posted on: 07/19/2006

 

LONDON--Various European governmental authorities released warnings

July 19 on the link between use of black cohosh (Cimicifugae

racemosae rhizome) and numerous cases of hepatotoxicity. The

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the

United Kingdom (U.K.), as well as the European Medicines Agency

(EMEA) and the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)

reported case data involving their constituents and various degrees

of adverse reaction to black cohosh supplementation.

 

MHRA reported receiving 31 adverse reaction filings, 22 of which

featured varying degrees of abnormal liver function, hepatitis or

liver failure. It said warnings were being added to the labels of

all black cohosh, and MHRA is working with the industry and

marketers to ensure the public is fully aware of the potential risks

associated with the use of these products.

 

This comes after HMPC released results of its review of available

data on the issue, which suggested a connection between herbal

supplements containing black cohosh root and hepatotoxicity. In its

review, HMPC evaluated 42 cases of hepatotoxicity collected from the

European National Competent Authorities and from literature case

reports. Of these cases, only 16 met review criteria; of these, 12

were discounted, and there was a temporal connection drawn in the

remaining four cases--including autoimmune hepatitis, liver injury

and liver failure. " After reviewing all available data, the Herbal

Medicines Advisory Committee has come to the conclusion that black

cohosh may be associated with liver disorders, " said Philip

Routledge, chairman of the Herbal Medicines Advisory

Committee. " This is rare, but can be serious. "

 

Also in response to these findings, EMEA advised Europeans to stop

taking black cohosh root and consult their physicians immediately if

they notice signs or symptoms of liver injury--tiredness, loss of

appetite, jaundice of skin or eyes, severe upper stomach pain,

nausea or vomiting. EMEA also advised health care professionals to

ask patients about possible black cohosh use and report hepatic

reactions to national adverse reaction reporting schemes.

 

This European reaction against black cohosh is the second such major

governmental action, as Australia officials issued similar warnings

and labeling regulations in early 2006. However, the American Herbal

Products Association (AHPA) noted a National Institutes of Health

(NIH) workshop held in November 2004 concluded the evidence for

liver toxicity risks from black cohosh " remains equivocal but

certainly warrants continued monitoring. " NIH further noted, " At

this time, there is no known mechanism with biological plausibility

that explains any hepatotoxic activity of black cohosh. "

 

 

Michelle

www.holisticmidlifewoman.com