Evidence supporting the use of: Cohosh
For the health condition: PMS Type D

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Synopsis

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

Cohosh—specifically Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa)—has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to address women’s reproductive health issues, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS Type D is characterized by symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and irritability, thought to be linked to hormonal fluctuations affecting neurotransmitters. Traditional herbalists have used Black Cohosh for its purported estrogenic and mood-stabilizing effects, making it a candidate for addressing PMS Type D symptoms.

However, while Black Cohosh is best known for supporting menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes and mood changes), the clinical evidence for its efficacy in treating PMS, especially PMS Type D, is limited. Most available studies focus on menopausal women rather than those with PMS. Limited small studies and anecdotal reports have suggested potential benefits in mood regulation, but robust, high-quality clinical trials specific to PMS Type D are lacking. Thus, its use for this purpose remains grounded much more in tradition and historical usage patterns than in modern scientific validation.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is sometimes confused with Black Cohosh, but it is not commonly used for PMS and carries safety concerns. In summary, while Cohosh (primarily Black Cohosh) is traditionally used to support mood-related PMS symptoms, scientific evidence specifically supporting this use for PMS Type D is weak.

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Products containing Cohosh

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