| Traditional Uses: Black Cohosh is a popular
Native American and folk remedy for female ailments and menstrual
cramps, as well as fatigue, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis,
and respiratory conditions like bronchitis. It was an ingredient in Lydia Pinkham’s
Vegetable Compound, a best-selling women’s patent medicine of the late 19th century,
at which time the herb was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary.
Under the name "shoma," Traditional Chinese Medicine has long employed other
Cimicifuga species (e.g., C. foetida, C. simplex Wormsk.) for similar
purposes, as well as for alleviation of fever, pain, and inflammation. Potential Benefits: Black
Cohosh is also widely used in Germany for discomfort
from menopause.
It may have uses as a sedative and anti-inflammatory, and can lower blood
pressure and possibly help control diabetes.
How do scientists think it works? Animal studies have provided conflicting results on the question of whether black cohosh has estrogen-like
effects in women. However, research involving animals and humans indicates that Black
Cohosh contains substances with endocrine (hormonal) activity. In menopausal women and
animals, Black Cohosh extract reduces the serum concentration of pituitary luteinizing
hormone (LH), which is associated with negative physical and psychic effects of
pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause, such as hot flashes, uterine spasms, depression, and
dysmenorrhea. Numerous clinical studies indicate that the herb suppresses the increase in
LH and may offer an effective, slower-acting alternative to estrogen therapy. Experiments
conducted in vivo and in vitro indicate that the LH suppressive effect may be initiated by
three types of compounds that (1) do not bind to estrogen receptors but suppress release
of LH; (2) bind to estrogen receptors and suppress LH; (3) bind to estrogen receptors with
no effect on LH. In experimental rodents, constituents of Black Cohosh reduced
inflammation in response to influenza infections, via inhibition of interleukin 8—a
compound that stimulates congregation of pro-inflammatory neutrophils (white blood
cells). In Europe, Black Cohosh extract is also used as a therapy for spastic
parametropathy, a neurovegetative disorder of the pelvis.
Black
Cohosh contains triterpene glycosides, including actein, racemoside, 27-deoxyactein,
and cimicifugoside. An isoflavone called formononetin has been identified as binding to
estrogen receptors in the rat uterus, and cimicifugoside is believed to affect the
hypothalamus-pituitary system, with effects on the reproductive and nervous systems.
Aromatic acids (ferulic acid and isoferulic acid) are believed responsible for the
drug’s anti-inflammatory effects. |
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Product Recommendations |
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- Natural
source of phyto-estrogens from standardized black cohosh root extract, Reduces
uncomfortable effects of menopause, Modulates hormone levels by
suppressing luteinizing hormone (LH), Effectively binds with estrogen receptors, Nutritional support from antioxidant
vitamins E & C
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- EstroSoy Plus
- with Soy & Black Cohosh
- * Relieves Hot Flashes & Night Sweats.
- * Supports Breast Health.
- * Promotes healthy bones by Helping the Body
Retain Calcium.
- On Sale Now
 
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Nature's Way Black Cohosh extract is standardized to 2.5% Triterpene Glycosides.
1 tavblet provides 40 mg of Black Cohosh, dried extract
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