ConsumerLab.com has reported the results of quality control tests on black cohosh supplements, soy and red clover isoflavone supplements, and progesterone creams.
Among the products tested, quality was inconsistent according to an article on HealthNewsDigest.com. Continue reading Quality issues for some “natural” menopause products
Dr. Cathi Dennehy from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco has reviewed the evidence.
I was surprised by her assessment of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.
Here’s a summary of her findings.
Based on this safety review, the US Pharmacopeia may develop monographs about black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa). Continue reading Should we be warned about black cohosh liver toxicity?
Prof. Ernst has reviewed black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat menopausal symptoms. Continue reading Review of black cohosh for menopause
Here’s a review by researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago that focuses on the scientific support for the use of herbals in women during menopause. It differs a bit in its conclusions from a more general review posted here recently.
Both reviews list St. John’s wort as the most useful herbal for alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Continue reading Herbal options to treat mood and anxiety in menopausal women
Black cohosh is an alternative to hormonal therapy to treat hot flashes, mood disturbances, sweating, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness.
Apparently, this is accomplished in the absence of any “systemic or breast-specific estrogenic effects.” According to researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Continue reading Black cohosh has no estrogenic effects on the breast
Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) is an herbal medicine that contains a mixture of 10 medicinal plants (listed below). It’s produced by Tsumura Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, which specializes in selling Kampo medicine — the adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine to Japanese culture.
In this study, the use of topical medicines (steroids and/or tacrolimus [Protopic]) decreased when patients with atopic dermatitis took Hochu-ekki-to. Continue reading Kampo medicine to treat atopic dermatitis
A continuing education article on Medscape presents a nice summary on the use of black cohosh to treat the symptoms of menopause. Continue reading What we know about black cohosh
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia reviewed the records of about 2500 women — some with and others without breast cancer.
The objective was to determine if any hormone-related supplements they had taken in the past might be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Continue reading Looking back to see if black cohosh might prevent breast cancer
Hormone replacement therapy may increase breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in menopausal women. But what is the effect of black cohosh extract — a popular alternative for reducing menopausal symptoms? Continue reading Black cohosh, menopausal symptoms, and the risk of breast cancer and heart disease
Concern that black cohosh, a popular alternative to prescription hormonal therapy for treating menopausal symptoms, can cause liver toxicity has prompted agencies in the U.K. and Australia to require manufacturers to add safety warnings to their labels.
Drs. Luigi Gori and Fabio Firenzuoli from the Center of Natural Medicine, S. Giuseppe Hospital in Italy think the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) erred in their assessment of the risk of liver toxicity to Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma (black cohosh, root). Continue reading Differing point of view on black cohosh and liver toxicity
A United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Committee has reviewed reports that suggest a link between liver damage and the use of products that contain green tea extracts and black cohosh.
Yes, liver toxicity is rare, but? Continue reading Black cohosh and green tea extract may get warning labels
There are doctors in Germany who are working overtime to convince us that black cohosh is a valuable treatment for menopausal symptoms.
I’m not buying it. But then, I’m not in menopause. Continue reading Trying hard to generate positive research results for black cohosh
A survey of midwifes in the United States revealed that 45% used black cohosh to induce labor. The preparation is called “mother’s cordial? or “partus preparatus.” In addition to black cohosh, it contains squaw vine (Mitchella ripens), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum).
What do we know about using black cohosh safely during pregnancy? Continue reading Black cohosh use during pregnancy
Contrary to common lore, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) doesn’t prevent the hot flashes or night sweats associated with menopause.
Here’s more on what it doesn’t do. Continue reading Black cohosh has no effect on lipids, glucose, insulin, or fibrinogen
The Zoft Gum Company, which makes several herbal supplement chewing gums (eg, breast enlargement, weight reduction) has introduced a new gum to help manage the symptoms of menopause.
There are no studies of this gum for treating menopausal symptoms in women. And the discussion of the gum’s ingredients on the Zoft website is misleading.
This summary should provide balance. Continue reading Zoft Menopause Gum
This site has discussed black cohosh before. Our focus was on the lack of effectiveness for the treatment for menopausal symptoms, and the lack of manufacturing standards that result in variability in product content of black cohosh.
Now, following an analysis of 16 case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma (black cohosh, root), the European Medicines Agency has advised consumers to stop taking black cohosh and consult their doctor immediately if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of liver injury. Examples include tiredness, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, or severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting or dark urine.
Be forewarned.
7/21/06 21:11 JR
Loser: Not only doesn’t it work, but governments all over the world are piling on black cohosh.
Continue reading The biggest loser in CAM for 2006
Another study reports that black cohosh is useless to prevent hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
Here are the results from the Herbal Alternatives (HALT) for Menopause Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Continue reading Black cohosh does not reduce menopausal symptoms