Black cohosh may relieve menopausal symptoms
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and is preserved for historical interest. Some recommendations, regulations, and scientific evidence have changed since it was written. It reflects the research and perspectives available at that time.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study appearing in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology (2005; 105(5 Pt 1): 1074-83) looked at the effect black cohosh had on menopausal symptoms in 304 women. The women were given either a standardized extract of black cohosh for 12 weeks or a placebo. The women given the supplement experienced greater relief of symptoms than the placebo group. Other research appearing in the journal Nutrition and Cancer (2007; 59(2): 269-77) showed that black cohosh can improve menopausal symptoms, and looked at the possible effect on breast cancer. The authors of the study concluded that supplementation with a standardized extract of black cohosh (containing 2.5% triterpenes) without estrogenic effects that would affect the breast.
