Black Cohosh and Safety

Critical evaluation of the safety of Cimicifuga racemosa in menopause symptom relief.

Article Summary:

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety of black cohosh for the treatment of menopause symptoms. This study focuses on women who are not able to have conventional menopause treatment regimens, such as estrogen replacement. An extensive database of information pertaining to black cohosh was reviewed, and the information dealing with the safety of black cohosh was reported.

Of the 2,800 patients looked at in this study, only 5.4% of them had incidents of adverse events. Of these adverse events, 97% were minor and did not result in the discontinuation of therapy. Black cohosh was not accountable for the very few severe events.

This study supports the safety of black cohosh extracts, particularly isopropanolic preparations, for use in women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The study also supports that black cohosh is a safe alternative for women who cannot sustain estrogen therapy.

Authors:

Dog TL, Powell KL, Weisman SM.

Institution:

1Integrative Medicine Education Associates, Corrales, NM, and 2Innovative Science Solutions, LLC, Morristown, NJ 87048, USA. lowdogmd@aol.com

Country of Publication:

United States

Source:

Menopause. 2003 Jul-Aug;10(4):299-313.

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