Black Cohosh - Non-Timber Forest Products

Mielnik, J. 1997. Extract of Cimcifuga racemosa in the treatment of
neurovegetative symptoms in women in the perimenopausal period
[Abstract]. Maturitas. 27(Suppl. 1): 215.
Describes the use of black cohosh by 34 postmenopausal women evaluated
by the Kupperman Menopausal Index of menopausal symptoms. After the
first month of treatment, 26 patients showed significant improvement. Four
patients showed no improvement, and four discontinued treatment in favor
of hormone replacement therapy. No side effects were observed.
Keywords: Assessment scales, clinical studies, hormone replacement
therapy, medicinal uses.
Morris, K.; Look, R.M.; Hudson, V. [and others]. 2003. The efficacy and
safety of black cohosh for managing menopausal symptoms in breast
cancer survivors. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 82(Suppl. 1):
S159.
Investigates the safety of black cohosh use by breast cancer survivors. In
vitro experiments showed that black cohosh did not cause proliferation of
hormone sensitive (T–47D) or insensitive (HCC–1937) breast cancer cells.
In vivo experiments on 21 women compared the efficacy of black cohosh
to that of venlafaxine for two 60-day periods divided by a 7-day washout
period. Although venlafaxine was more effective than black cohosh, both
groups showed a significant reduction in hot flashes with no serious side
effects.
Keywords: Cancer, clinical studies, side effects.
Moyer, P. 2002. ENDO: phytoestrogen black cohosh may have potential as
a SERM. Doctor’s Guide. http://www.docguide.com/dg.nsf/PrintPrint/
A947E7526A16116785256BE3004F23CA. [Date accessed: September
13, 2004].
Summarizes a study on black cohosh as a potential selective estrogen
receptor modulator for treating symptoms of menopause. The 62
participants in the study received either black cohosh, conjugated estrogen,
or a placebo for a three-month period. Climacteric symptoms such as hot
flashes were significantly reduced by both black cohosh and conjugated
estrogen.
Keywords: Clinical studies, medicinal uses, phytoestrogens.
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