Black Cohosh is a herb native to the central and eastern regions of North America. It is found in woodland habitats and the uses and nutrients come from its roots and rhizomes, which are underground stems. On the market, extracts come in the form of tablets and solution. The main active ingredient is known as triterpene saponins, which plays important roles in many of the functions of black cohosh discussed later.
The Native Americans have long been using black cohosh medicinally because it is thought to have analgestic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical evidence shows it has been used to treat gynecological disorders, sore throats, kidney problems and depression. Black cohosh continues to find its place in modern medicine, with doctors recommending it primarily to treat menopause. It has also been heavily marketed as a dietary supplement to women to treat gynecological and premensual symptoms. Women hitting menopaus usually have a lower level of the female hormone, estrogen. Studies have suggested that black cohosh exhibits estrogenic activity but the results are contradictory Recently, research has shown another potential property that black cohosh has to prevent ostereoposis. Its extracts contain a high concentration of complex biological molecules such as triterpene glycosides which can reduce cytokine-induced bone loss by blocking osteoclasts from disrupting mineralized matrix in our bones in experiments done in vitro and viro.
In the US, black cohosh is considered to be a dietary supplement which belongs to the food group, not drugs. Hence, companies providing the supplements are not required to provide concrete evidence to Food and Drug Administration of its claimed effectiveness and its safety is not rigorously regulated. Millions of people have taken this substance without showing adverse side effects. However, a few people have experienced liver damage, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice. Individuals with breast cancer, liver disorders or during pregnancy should avoid taking black cohosh.
References:(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actaea_racemosa (2) http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh.asp
