What Is Black Cohosh? Other Names: Actaea macrotys, Actaea racemosa, Actée à Grappes

What is Black Cohosh?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial herb native to North America. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes, particularly for treating symptoms associated with menopause. In recent years, black cohosh has gained popularity as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances. Other names include: Actaea macrotys, Actaea racemosa, Actée à Grappes, Actée à Grappes Noires, Actée Noire, Aristolochiaceae Noire, Baie d’actée, Black Cohosh, Baneberry, Black Aristolochiaceae, Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimicaire à Grappes, Cimicifuga, Cimicifuga Racemosa, Cimicifuge, Cohosh Negro, Cohosh Noir, Cytise, Herbe aux Punaises, Macrotys, Phytoestrogen, Phytoestrogène, Racine de Serpent, Racine de Squaw, Racine Noire de Serpents, Rattle Root, Rattle Top, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Sheng Ma, Snakeroot, Squaw Root.

Uses and Efficacy of Black Cohosh

Menopausal Symptoms

Black cohosh is primarily used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Several studies have investigated its efficacy in this regard. For instance, a randomized clinical trial demonstrated that black cohosh significantly reduced the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) scores, which measure menopausal symptoms, over an 8-week period2. Another study found that black cohosh was effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats, showing a significant decrease in the Kupperman Index, which assesses the severity of menopausal symptoms8.

Psychological Symptoms

In addition to physical symptoms, black cohosh has been studied for its effects on psychological symptoms associated with menopause. A combination of black cohosh and St. John’s wort was found to be superior to placebo in alleviating climacteric complaints, including psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale4.

Comparative Studies

Comparative studies have shown mixed results regarding the efficacy of black cohosh. For example, a study comparing black cohosh to fluoxetine found that while both treatments were effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, black cohosh was more effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats, whereas fluoxetine was more effective in alleviating depressive symptoms8. Another study comparing black cohosh to placebo found no significant difference in the reduction of hot flashes, suggesting that the placebo effect might play a role in the perceived benefits of black cohosh3.

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Safety and Side Effects of Black Cohosh

The safety profile of black cohosh has been a subject of various studies. A 12-month randomized controlled trial found that black cohosh did not significantly reduce the frequency of vasomotor symptoms compared to placebo but was deemed safe for long-term use7. Another study confirmed that black cohosh did not have adverse effects on liver and renal functions, nor did it cause any significant changes in reproductive hormones10.

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How has Black Cohosh Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvements in Menopausal Symptoms

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Several studies have shown that black cohosh can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. For instance, one study found that black cohosh reduced hot flash scores by 85% over six months, compared to 62% for fluoxetine2. Another study reported a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and severity, although the results were not superior to placebo in some cases1 5 8 9.

Psychological Symptoms: Black cohosh has also been effective in alleviating psychological symptoms associated with menopause. A combination of black cohosh and St. John’s wort significantly reduced scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Menopause Rating Scale, indicating improvements in both psychological and physical symptoms6. However, another study found no significant anxiolytic effect compared to placebo7.

Quality of Life and Sleep

Quality of Life: Improvements in overall quality of life have been noted in some studies. For example, black cohosh was found to improve the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores, particularly in the vasomotor and physical domains4. However, other studies did not find significant differences in quality of life measures compared to placebo3 8.

Sleep Disturbances: Black cohosh has shown promise in improving sleep quality. One study reported significant improvements in sleep efficiency and reductions in wake after sleep onset (WASO) duration, as measured by polysomnography4.

Safety and Tolerability

Safety: Across multiple studies, black cohosh was generally well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. No significant changes in liver or renal function tests were reported, and the treatment was considered safe for long-term use1 4 6 8.

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Black Cohosh Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism by which black cohosh alleviates menopausal symptoms is not fully understood. It is believed to act on the serotonergic system, which may explain its effects on mood and vasomotor symptoms. However, more research is needed to elucidate its precise mechanism of action.

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Common Complaints Associated with Black Cohosh Use

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users report gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort1 2 3.

Headaches: Headaches are another frequently mentioned side effect1 2 3.

Dizziness: Dizziness has been noted as a common complaint among users1 2 3.

Weight Gain: There are occasional reports of weight gain associated with black cohosh use1 2 3.

Skin Reactions: Some users experience skin reactions, including rashes1 2 3.

Tolerability and Safety

General Tolerability: Overall, black cohosh is considered to have good tolerability with no significant differences in adverse events compared to placebo groups in multiple studies1 2 3 4.

Laboratory Findings: No relevant differences in laboratory values were observed between treatment and placebo groups, indicating a favorable safety profile1 2 3 4.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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