Evidence supporting the use of: Cohosh
For the health condition: Menopause

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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 traditional use, particularly among Native American groups and later in European herbal medicine, to help ease symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances. The root of black cohosh has been prepared as teas, tinctures, and extracts and was historically used as a "women's herb" for various reproductive health concerns.

Scientific research evaluating black cohosh for menopause has produced mixed results. Some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest a modest benefit in reducing vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes), but other well-designed studies have failed to show significant effects compared to placebo. The variability in study results may be due to differences in the preparation of the extract, dosages, and study populations. The mechanism of action is not fully understood; black cohosh does not appear to have estrogenic activity, but may act on serotonin receptors in the brain.

Overall, while there is a strong tradition supporting black cohosh’s use for menopause, scientific validation remains inconclusive and the quality of evidence is moderate at best. Leading medical organizations consider it possibly effective and generally safe for short-term use, but recommend discussing with a healthcare provider due to potential liver toxicity concerns and contraindications.

More about cohosh
More about Menopause

Other ingredients used for Menopause

27-deoxyactein
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Achyranthes
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alfalfa
Aloe vera
amaranth
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
antler
Ashoka
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
banyan
barrenwort
bee pollen
bioflavonoids
black cohosh
black currant
black root
black seed
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese silkvine
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
cordyceps
Crinum latifolium
Cynomorium
daidzein
damiana
danshen
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
dog rose
dong quai
dong quai root
durian
eleuthero
elk antler
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Ficus religiosa
fish oil
flaxseed
fo-ti
genistein
genistin
Glycetein
goji berry
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
horny goat weed
Hypericum
Indian frankincense
isoflavones
jujube
knotweed
kudzu
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
licorice root
lignans
linden
lingzhi
Loranthus
lotus
Lycium
maca
macaenes
macamides
Marine lipid
Meadow sage
Melatonin
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Moringa
Motherwort
Nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
Ophiopogon
ophiopogon root
Phytoestrogens
pollen
Polygonum
pomegranate
Prickly Pear Cactus
Puerain
Pulsatilla
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rockweed
Rooibos
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
rose
rose oil
royal jelly
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
rue
saffron
sage
seaweed
smilax
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
Stone Root
Valerian root
Vervain
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade

Products containing cohosh

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.