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

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Synopsis

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

Cohosh, particularly black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to address a variety of women's health concerns, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Type S, which is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, bloating, and breast tenderness. Historical use of black cohosh dates back to Native American remedies and 19th-century Western herbalists, who employed the root for menstrual irregularities and discomfort. The rationale for its use in PMS Type S is largely rooted in its purported anti-inflammatory and mild estrogenic effects, which were believed to help relieve fluid retention and breast pain. However, scientific research specifically investigating black cohosh for PMS—especially Type S symptoms—is limited and inconclusive. Most clinical studies have focused on its effects in menopausal symptom relief, particularly hot flashes, rather than premenstrual symptoms. Reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that evidence for its efficacy in PMS is insufficient or weak. The mechanism by which black cohosh might exert effects on PMS symptoms remains hypothetical, possibly involving serotonergic pathways or modulation of inflammation, but these claims lack robust clinical validation. As such, while its use for PMS Type S is grounded in tradition, current scientific support is minimal, and more targeted research would be necessary to substantiate its role in managing these specific symptoms.

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