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

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Synopsis

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

Cohosh, particularly Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa), has a long history of traditional use for supporting women's reproductive health, especially menopausal symptoms that are often attributed to declining estrogen levels. Indigenous peoples of North America and later European settlers used black cohosh root preparations to address menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, and other symptoms associated with menopause.

Despite its widespread traditional use, scientific evidence supporting cohosh for directly increasing or "supporting" estrogen levels is limited. Most clinical studies have focused on symptom relief (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats), rather than on any measurable increase in estrogen. The mechanism of action remains unclear; some studies suggest that black cohosh may have selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like effects or may act on neurotransmitter pathways rather than increasing estrogen production itself. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found mixed results regarding efficacy, and leading health authorities (such as the NIH and Cochrane reviews) generally conclude that evidence is insufficient or inconsistent.

In summary, the use of cohosh to support low estrogen is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine rather than robust scientific validation. While it may alleviate some symptoms associated with low estrogen, there is little evidence that it actually raises estrogen levels in the body.

More about Cohosh
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Products containing Cohosh

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