Black Cohosh

Uses

Black Cohosh is a herbal product indicated in the symptomatic treatment of menopause.

Treatment of menopausal symptoms and menstrual dysfunction .

Black Cohosh is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Menopausal Symptoms, Menopause Symptoms

How Black Cohosh works

Although the mechanism by which black cohosh relieves menopausal symptoms is unknown, several hypotheses have been made. It is believed to act through the following mechanisms/effects:

1) as a selective estrogen receptor modulator 2) through serotonergic pathways 3) as an antioxidant 4) on inflammatory pathways

The primary active component of the black cohosh root is believed to be the terpene glycoside fraction, including actein and cimifugoside. The triterpenes are one of the most ubiquitous and diverse groups of plant natural products. They are classified as complex molecules that are beyond the reach of chemical synthesis in the laboratory. Simple triterpenes are constituents of surface waxes and specialized plant membranes and may possibly serve as signaling molecules. More complex glycosylated triterpenes (also known as saponins) provide protection against pathogens and pests. The rhizome (stem portion of the plant) also contains other potentially biologically active substances, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. The therapeutic activity of black cohosh was initially believed to be the activation of estrogen receptors; however, more recent studies show that although some components of the extract bind to at least one subtype of estrogen receptor, the receptor binding produces very little (if any) estrogenic effect, and may selectively block some of the effects.

An early study reported that treatment with black cohosh leads to a decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels consistent with its purported estrogenic effect. Despite this, more recent studies have shown no effect on levels of LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or prolactin. To this day it is unclear whether black cohosh exerts its effect via estrogen receptors or through another mechanism.

One study observed that while the most prominent triterpene in black cohosh, known as 23-epi-26-deoxyactein, inhibits cytokine-induced nitric oxide production in brain microglial cells, the complete black cohosh extract demonstrated to enhance this pathway. A variety of activities have been reported for black cohosh and its compounds, however, the absorption and tissue distribution of these compounds is not known.

Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is used most often to treat symptoms occurring during menopause. However, in recent years, several concerns regarding its safety have been voiced.

Toxicity

The oral LD50 for rats is 17,000 to 27,211 mg/kg.

Clinical trials using a variety of black cohosh formulas to manage menopausal symptoms have shown that its use is associated with a low incidence of adverse effects. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and rashes, both of which have shown to be mild and transient. Some other adverse effects in clinical trials have included breast pain or enlargement, infection, vaginal bleeding or spotting, and musculoskeletal discomfort. The incidence of these symptoms, however, was similar in women taking black cohosh and those taking a placebo.

Reports have been made globally of at least 83 cases of liver damage—including hepatitis, liver failure, elevated liver enzymes, and various other liver injuries—associated with black cohosh use. However, no evidence of a causal relationship exists. It is possible that a subset of reported cases of hepatotoxicity were due to impurities, adulterants, or incorrect Acteae species in the black cohosh products used. However, no independent analysis of these drugs has been done to confirm the existence of these problems.

The American Herbal Products Association recommends that pregnant women not ingest black cohosh, except under the supervision of their healthcare provider because studies have not thoroughly evaluated its use during pregnancy. The U.S. Pharmacopeia advises that individuals with liver disorders should also avoid the use of black cohosh. In addition, users who develop symptoms of liver disease, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice, while taking the supplement should discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider.

As with other drugs believed to have potential estrogenic effects, there has been concern about the safety of black cohosh in women with a personal history or family history of breast cancer. Though further research is warranted, at least one tissue-culture study showed no stimulation of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell lines by black cohosh extract. This study found that black cohosh extract amplified the inhibitory action of tamoxifen (Nolvadex) on breast cancer cell lines. Because this question has not yet been fully answered, physicians should discuss this issue with their patients who are at risk of breast cancer while considering taking black cohosh.

Black Cohosh is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential ability to promote uterine contraction. The safety of black cohosh in breastfeeding mothers and the level of transmission of black cohosh in breast milk are both unknown.

Half Life

Approximately 2h.

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