BLACK COHOSH
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Native to North America, this flowering plant is known to treat menstrual and menopausal symptoms, with its roots and rhizomes being the most commonly used parts of the plant. Some of the active ingredients found in black cohosh include triterpene glycosides (such as actein, cimicifugoside, racemoside, 27-deoxyactein), estrogen-like compounds (such as isoflavones), tannins, salicylic acid, resin, fatty acids (ferulic acid and isoferulic acid), sugars, and certain starches.
Health Benefits
- Regulate menstrual symptoms – Black cohosh is most widely known for relieving menstrual problems. It can help regulate period cycles, control mood swings and stimulate menstrual bleeding flow when sluggish. Its anti-spasmodic properties reduces menstrual cramps by easing uterine tension. It is also beneficial for endometriosis as it reduces uterine pain and uterus spasms, as well as lengthen cycles.
- Regulate menopausal symptoms – Various research studies have shown that black cohosh can safely and effectively reduce menopausal symptoms, especially in the reduction of hot flashes. The serotonergic activity of black cohosh helps with thermoregulation during hot flashes. Black cohosh can also reduce other symptoms such as vaginal dryness, formication (skin crawling), menopausal depression and night sweats. It works best in women who experience moderate to severe symptoms.
- Stress management and mood stabilizer – The serotonin activity in black cohosh can help balance hormones in the body, thus regulating mood swings caused by stress, depression, fatigue or irritability.
- Anti-inflammatory – Studies have attributed the anti-inflammatory activity in black cohosh to ferulic acid and isoferulic acid, while some claim that salicylic acid (similar to the activity of aspirin) is responsible for its anti-inflammatory nature. Nevertheless black cohosh is useful for inflammation such as sore throats and arthritis, especially of the muscles.
- Lowers blood pressure – Resin in black cohosh has vasodilatory properties, where it expands peripheral blood vessels to minimize formation of blood clots which could lead to strokes or heart attacks, thereby lowering blood pressure. The triterpene glycosides in black cohosh, specifically actein, also decrease vascular spasms.
- Promote sleep – Black cohosh can act as a natural sedative to alleviate insomnia and promote restful sleep. Its calming effect on the central nervous system is beneficial for those who suffer from chronic anxiety, stress, or even menopausal insomnia. It should not, however, be taken in conjunction with other sleeping medication or aids, as complications may occur due to interactions with its natural components.
- Pain relief (Analgesic) – Similar to its ability to reduce menstrual cramps, this herb can help relieve pain such as during headaches.
- Detoxification – Black cohosh has an alterative function, which helps restore body functions to its optimal health. This includes improving nutrient uptake and better elimination of waste products in the blood and digestive system (detoxification), thus ultimately improving the immune system.
- Lungs – Expectorant and relaxant – Black cohosh act as an expectorant by loosening and expelling mucus from the bronchial tubes and lungs, as well as a muscle relaxant during coughs and asthma.
- Male reproductive system – Traditionally this herb is used for treating inflammation in the prostate, or prostatitis, as well as prostatic and testicular pain. Studies have also suggested that black cohosh may be beneficial for other prostate-related conditions, namely prostate cancer and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
- Bone health – A research study has shown that black cohosh has the ability to boost bone strength and regrowth in postmenopausal women, who tend to experience bone loss due to the reduction in estrogen levels and are at risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Black cohosh stimulates osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation in the body.
Black cohosh is indeed a multi-functional gem with health benefits for both men and women. As with all health food supplements and medication, caution should be taken before regular consumption. Consult with your health care practitioner or doctor, especially for pregnant women and those with allergies.
References
- Kuhn, Merrily A, & Winston, David. (2015). Winston and Kuhn’s Herbal Therapy and Supplements A Scientific and Traditional Approach (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
- Jiang, Jin, Huang, Feng, Hou, Du, . . . Li. (2015). Black cohosh improves objective sleep in postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. Climacteric, 2015, Vol.18(4), P.559-567,18(4), 559-567.
- Lieberman, S. (1998). Evidence-based natural medicine. A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. Journal Of Women’s Health, 7(5), 525-529.
- Powell, S., Gödecke, T., Nikolic, D., Chen, S., Ahn, S., Dietz, B., . . . Bolton, J. (2008). In vitro serotonergic activity of black cohosh and identification of N(omega)-methylserotonin as a potential active constituent. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(24), 11718-26.
- Wuttke, W., Gorkow, C., & Seidlová-Wuttke, D. (2006). Effects of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) on bone turnover, vaginal mucosa, and various blood parameters in postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conjugated estrogens-controlled study. Menopause, 13(2), 185-196.
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