Black Cohosh

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

• Symptoms of menopause. Taking a specific black cohosh product (Remifemin, Phytopharmica/Enzymatic Therapy) seems to help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. But these benefits might not occur with all products that contain black cohosh.

There is interest in using black cohosh for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

When taken by mouth: Black cohosh is possibly safe when taken appropriately for up to one year. It can cause some mild side effects such as stomach upset, headache, rash, and a feeling of heaviness. There is also some concern that black cohosh might cause liver damage in some people. People who take black cohosh should watch for symptoms of liver damage such as dark urine and fatigue.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Black cohosh is possibly unsafe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. It might increase the risk of miscarriage or affect a nursing infant.

Breast cancer: There is some concern that black cohosh may worsen existing breast cancer. But this concern hasn’t been confirmed in scientific research. People who have breast cancer, have had breast cancer in the past, or are at high-risk for breast cancer, should speak with a healthcare professional before using black cohosh.

Hormone-sensitive conditions, including endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and others: Black cohosh acts somewhat like estrogen in the body. There is some concern that it might worsen conditions that are sensitive to estrogen. If you have a condition that could be affected by estrogen, speak with a healthcare professional before using black cohosh.

Liver disease: Black cohosh might cause liver damage in some people. But it isn’t clear how often this occurs. Until more is known, people with liver disease should avoid taking black cohosh.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

There is concern that black cohosh might harm the liver. Taking black cohosh with atorvastatin might increase the chance of liver damage.

Cisplatin (Platinol-AQ)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Cisplatin is used to treat cancer. There is some concern that black cohosh might decrease how well cisplatin works for cancer.

Estrogens

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Black cohosh might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking black cohosh along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Black cohosh might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Black cohosh might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Black cohosh might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking black cohosh along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.

Herbs and supplements that might harm the liver: Black cohosh might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include garcinia, greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.

There are no known interactions with foods.

Black cohosh has most often been used by adults in doses of 40-128 mg by mouth daily for up to one year. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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.