Black Cohosh - Non-Timber Forest Products

Describes the vascular action of black cohosh liquid extracts in various
experiments. In the studies covered, black cohosh had a hypotensive effect
on rabbits and cats. It did not have a hypotensive effect on dogs or humans,
though it did increase peripheral blood flow. The authors concluded that
black cohosh acted by either directly or indirectly inhibiting or stimulating
the vasomotor centers in the body.
Keywords: Chemical constituents, physiological actions.
Georgiev, D.B.; Iordanova, E. 1997. Phytoestrogens – the alternative
approach [Abstract]. Maturitas. 27(Suppl. 1): 213.
Evaluates the effects of black cohosh extracts used by 50 postmenopausal
women. Effectiveness was evaluated subjectively by the Kupperman
Menopausal Index and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and objectively by
physical indicators such as vaginal smears and measures of endometrial
thickness. At the completion of the six-month study, 90 percent of patients
showed significant improvement in subjective evaluations. Vaginal
maturation was positively influenced in 40 percent of the patients, whereas
endometrial thickness did not change for any patients.
Keywords: Assessment scales, medicinal uses, phytoestrogens, research.
Green, M. 2003. Cool the menopausal heat: black cohosh may help
eliminate hot flashes and other symptoms. Natural Foods Merchandiser.
24(3): 110, 112. http://www.newhope.com/nfm-online/nfm_backs/mar_
03/cool.cfm. [Date accessed: September 13, 2004].
Summarizes the medicinal uses and actions of black cohosh. Includes a
review of clinical studies, history of medicinal uses, reported side effects,
and recommended dosage.
Keywords: Medicinal uses, research reviews.
Greenfield, J.; Davis, J.M. 2003. Western North Carolina non-timber forest
products. 81 p. plus appendices. Draft final report. On file with: Forest
Service, Southern Research Station, 1650 Ramble Road, Blacksburg,
VA 24060.
Presents findings from an ongoing study to define the non-timber forest
products (NTFP) industry in western North Carolina and to estimate the
social and economic values, as well as the market conditions, for black
cohosh and other priority non-timber forest products.
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