https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what _does_black_cohosh_do_for_your_body/ article_em.htm
BLACK COHOSH CLAUDIA CHIANG, STUDENT PHARMACIST SPRING 2022
SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAMES Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa Black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed
BACKGROUND Black cohosh is a plant, grown in North America, in which Native Americans have introduced to European colonists. It was originally used to treat musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, labor, and menstrual irregularities. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was known for antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic uses. The root and rhizome of the plant are what is used in herbal preparations.
COMMON USES Menopausal symptoms Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, vertigo, sleep disturbances, nervousness, irritability Arthritis Osteoporosis Breast cancer-related hot flashes Insect repellant
PHARMACOLOGY The active ingredients of black cohosh include phytosterin, organic acids, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, and triterpene glycosides. There is not enough evidence to conclude a certain mechanism of action, but there are several hypotheses. Some properties that black cohosh is suspected to have are antihistamine, antiinflammatory, antilipemic, antineoplastic, antioxidant, antiviral, bone metabolism, estrogenic, and GI effects. It is said to have selective estrogen receptor modulating (SERM) effects, thus, having both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects.
DOSAGE FORMS Capsules Tablets Liquid extracts Dried root for tea
TYPICAL DOSING/SERVING Recommended dose ranges from 20 to 80 mg/day Tea: 20g of dried root in 34 oz water; one cup 3 times/day
19
