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What is Black Cohosh ?Black Cohosh - A Lady's Herb.
Contents:
- Botanical Data of Black Cohosh.
- Narrative History of Black cohosh.
- Application and Uses of Black cohosh.
- Phytochemicals,constituents and functional mechanism of Black Cohosh.
- Historical Development of Black Cohosh.
- Modern Use and application of Black cohosh.
- Black Cohosh Physiology.
- Clinical studies of Black Cohosh.
- Dosage and other comments.
- Skunk Bugbane and Application.
- How Search engine think about black cohosh.
- Photo Gallery of Cimicifuga racemosa.
Modern Use and application of Black cohosh.
Scientific research on black cohosh began with investigations of its chemistry in the early twentieth century. Using the comparatively crude isolation methods of the day, chemists found phytosterin, isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, sugars, tannins and fatty acids in the roots. A study published in 1944 first attributed estrogenic-like activity to the roots in laboratory experiments with mice. In the 1950s and 60s further chemical work identified glycosides such as acetin, cimicifugoside, and 27 deoxyacteine as compounds that may contribute to the root's effects on female reproduction. In the early 1980s an isoflavone called, formononetin was also identified. Clear attribution of biological activity to a single chemical component remains illusive. It is believed that at least three different chemical fractions soluble in alcoholic extracts may contribute to positive benefits in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
By the mid 1950s sufficient scientific evidence, coupled with extensive clinical experience, made black cohosh preparations widely accepted and prescribed by German gynecologists, primarily as a an alterative to hormone treatment in menopausal disorders. By that time, hormonal replacement therapies were already recording unwanted side effects in a large number of patients. By 1962 at least 14 clinical studies (though not controlled clinical studies in the modern sense) had been published on the use of black cohosh products in over 1500 patients. These studies, some over 40 years old, began to establish clear scientific evidence for the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh in the treatment of premenopausal and menopausal symptoms including a reduction in the severity and duration of hot flashes along with an improvement of depressive moods.
Black Cohosh Used in Europe for over 40 years, with experience in over 1.5 million cases, black cohosh is again becoming known in its native land as a possible alternative for reducing unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. Efficacy and safety are confirmed by long-term clinical experience, as well as recent controlled clinical studies, along with acute toxicity studies which help to corroborate its safety.
Black cohosh will become of increasing interest to women looking for an alternative to estrogen therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Not only is it widely used in Europe, black cohosh and related species have a long history of use in both Asia and North America. Among women's herbs, black cohosh is the most important rising star.
Gynecological uses:Black cohosh has long been used by Native Americans for female problems, for which reason it was also known as "squawroot." Black cohosh is used today for menstrual pain and problems where progesterone production is too high, and for menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, debility, and depression.
Inflammation property:Black cohosh is useful for inflammatory arthritis, especially when it is associated with menopause, and it is also an effective remedy for rheumatic problems, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Sedative properties:The sedative action of black cohosh makes it valuable for treating a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Black cohosh is also valuable for whooping cough and asthma.
Menopause herb:Research has confirmed the validity of traditional knowledge. The results of a German trial, published in 1995, revealed that black cohosh in combination with St. John's wort was 78% effective at treating hot flashes and other menopausal problems.
Black cohosh is a popular alternative to prescription hormonal therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms such as migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood problems, perspiration, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. Initial human research suggests that black cohosh may improve some of these symptoms for up to six months. However, most studies are not well designed and results are not conclusive. Many studies have used a specially designed questionnaire that does not consider some of the important symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, but does measure other symptoms which are not commonly associated with menopause, such as tingling sensations and dizziness. Well-designed studies are needed using black cohosh for longer than six months.
Estrogenic properties:Black cohosh has a well-established estrogenic action and is thought to reduce levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries' production of progesterone.
Hot Flashes with treatment for Breast Cancer:Many breast cancer patients use black cohosh to ease hot flashes, a common side effect of medications used to treat breast cancer such as tamoxifen. While black cohosh may reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes in breast cancer patients, two well-designed studies recently concluded that the herb is no more effective than placebo.
In addition, although there is some debate about this, black cohosh may contain plant based estrogens, called phytoestrogens. Therefore, there is some concern that if there are phytoestrogens in black cohosh, they may stimulate the growth of breast tumors. This idea has not been substantiated scientifically; in fact, some studies suggest that black cohosh may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in test tubes. Additional research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about use of black cohosh in women with a history of or risk for developing breast cancer (such as strong family history).
Arthritis:Preliminary studies also suggest that black cohosh may help reduce inflammation associated osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a review of scientific studies, researchers concluded that a combination of black cohosh, willow bark (Salix spp.), sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale) resin, and poplar bark (Populus tremuloides) may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Osteoporosis:Some experts suggest that the plant based estrogens in black cohosh, in theory, could help prevent osteoporosis. This theory has yet to be tested scientifically.
Joint pain:There is not enough human research to make a clear recommendation about the use of black cohosh for painful joints in rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
More uses based on tradition or theory:
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
AIDS, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiety, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, asthma, back pain, breast disease, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), bone diseases, bronchitis, cancer, cervical dysplasia (abnormal pap smear), chemotherapy induced premature menopause, child birth (labor induction), cough remedy, decreased blood platelets, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspareunia, edema, endometriosis, fever, gall bladder disorders, headache, heart disease/palpitations, high blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy, infertility, inflammation, insect repellent, itchiness, kidney inflammation, liver disease, malaria, menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients, menstrual dysfunction, menstrual period problems, miscarriage, muscle pain, muscle spasms, nerve pain, ovarian cysts, pain, pancreatitis, perspiration, pertussis (whooping cough), polycystic breast disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, perimenopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), reduction of hot flashes in prostate cancer, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, snakebites, sore throat, tamoxifen-related hot flashes, urogenital atrophy, uterine diseases and bleeding, vaginal discharge, yellow fever.
Summary evaluation:
Small clinical studies suggest that black cohosh may diminish hot flashes, but the quality of those trials has been poor.
It is unclear whether black cohosh might act centrally via the CNS or peripherally via estrogen receptors. Some extracts appear to bind to estrogen receptors, so most sources consider it to be a phytoestrogen.
Because one study of breast cancer survivors has shown no benefit, black cohosh is not recommended for patients who have had breast cancer.
Given its low side effect profile, it is reasonable to try a short-term trial of black cohosh for reducing menopausal symptoms, but its long term safety is unknown.
Reference:
1.What is Black Cohosh ?Black Cohosh - A Lady's Herb.
last edit date:25th,Feb.2010.
- Name:Black Cohosh Extract
- Serie No:S-005.
- Specifications:Triterpene Glycoside 2.5%,5.0%,8.0%HPLC.
- INCI Name:CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA EXTRACT
- EINECS/ELINCS No.:283-951-6
- CAS: 84776-26-1
- Chem/IUPAC Name:Cimicifuga Racemosa Extract is an extract of the roots of the black cohosh,Cimicifuga racemosa,Ranunculaceae.
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