Evidence supporting the use of: Black cohosh
For the health condition: Estrogen (low)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and European herbalists, for the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes—symptoms often associated with low estrogen levels. Its traditional use stems from the observation that it alleviates some symptoms linked to hormonal changes in women, especially during menopause.

However, scientific research does not conclusively demonstrate that black cohosh directly increases estrogen levels or acts as a phytoestrogen. Most clinical studies investigating black cohosh have focused on its ability to relieve menopausal symptoms rather than its effects on estrogen production or levels. Some studies suggest mild to moderate improvement in symptoms, but the exact mechanism of action remains unclear, with some research indicating non-estrogenic pathways (such as serotonergic effects). Reviews and meta-analyses have yielded mixed results, and regulatory agencies such as the NIH note that current evidence is insufficient to confirm efficacy or safety for this purpose.

In summary, black cohosh is traditionally used to support symptoms related to low estrogen, but the scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for treating low estrogen is limited. Its benefit appears to be more symptomatic rather than hormonal, and its use is mainly justified by historical tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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