Evidence supporting the use of: Cohosh
For the body system: Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Cohosh, particularly Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for supporting the female reproductive system. Indigenous peoples of North America used Black Cohosh root for gynecological conditions, including menstrual irregularities and symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes and mood disturbances. European settlers adopted its use, and it became an established herbal remedy in 19th-century American medicine for "female complaints." The traditional rationale is based on its observed effects in easing menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms, although the exact mechanisms were unknown.
Modern scientific investigations have produced mixed results. Some clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest Black Cohosh may modestly reduce menopausal symptoms, but other studies have found no significant effect compared to placebo. There is little robust evidence for its use in other reproductive system issues such as fertility or menstrual regulation. The herb does not contain phytoestrogens, though it was once thought to, and its active compounds and mechanisms remain unclear. Major health organizations generally regard Black Cohosh as possibly effective for menopausal symptoms but recommend caution due to inconsistent evidence and rare reports of liver toxicity. Overall, its use is justified primarily by a strong tradition, with moderate (but not conclusive) support from clinical research.
Other ingredients that support Reproductive System
acetyl l-carnitineamino acids
ashwagandha
beta-sitosterol
black cohosh
bovine
bovine liver
broccoli
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese salvia root
choline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
fish protein
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
ginger
ginseng
gokhru
hops
inositol
iodine
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-arginine
l-carnitine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
licorice root
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
magnesium
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
muira puama
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
pomegranate
protein
pumpkin
quail egg
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
saffron
saw palmetto
selenium
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
vitamin E
seaweed
water
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
suma
squawvine
mugwort
nut grass
anise
punarnava
smilax
chaff flower
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
morinda
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
barrenwort
shepherd's purse
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
yohimbe
11-Ketotestosterone
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
8-Prenylnaringenin
Antler
Arachidonic Acid
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Ant
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Babchi
Baliospermum
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bugbane
Bulbine natalensis
Black Gram
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
Barbasco
Bee products
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Curculigo orchicides
Cohosh
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Cyathula
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Casticin
Campylandra fimbriata
Catuaba
Costus
Carthamus
Canscora
DHEA
Daidzein
Deer Velvet
Dong Quai
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Embelia
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
Lotus
Orchid
yohimbine
Other body systems supported by Cohosh
EstrogenFemale Reproductive System
Ovaries
Reproductive System
Uterus
Vagina