Black Cohosh

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• QHow should I store black cohosh supplements?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The same storage rule applies to black cohosh supplements as to any other supplement: Keep them cool and dry. Black cohosh and other supplements may be degraded by heat and moisture, so don't store them in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom, where humidity can reach more than 98%, or a kitchen drawer near a hot oven.
  
• QIs it safe to take black cohosh along with labetalol and Norvasc?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Black cohosh is not tested or regulated by the FDA. Its safety and effectiveness are not clearly documented. As a result, the potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh are not well known. Since the use of Black Cohosh and prescription drugs in combination is not well studied, it is still possible that you could experience side effects and or an interaction when Blach Cohosh is used with Labetalol and Norvasc. If you are still concerned about menopause symptoms, you should talk to your primary doctor, cardiologist, or gynecologist before taking this supplement.
• QCan black cohosh supplements cause liver disease?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot, has been linked to liver inflammation (hepatitis) or liver failure. However, these kinds of problems have been reported only rarely, and it's not known whether black cohosh actually caused them. Even so, experts recommend that people who have a liver condition steer clear of the herb.
  
  Black cohosh is sometimes used to relieve arthritis, muscle pain and menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes). If you take it for these reasons or to treat any other ailment, be aware that it can have side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you develop signs of a liver problem, such as your skin turning yellow, abdominal pain and/or darkening urine.
  

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• QHow does black cohosh work?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Researchers believe the herb, black cohosh, may have estrogenic effects, but studies are not conclusive and more research is needed. One of the compounds found in black cohosh, fukinolic acid, has shown antiinflammatory action. There are several other active compounds in this herb and research is ongoing.
  
  
• QWhat should I know before using black cohosh supplements?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Check with your doctor before taking black cohosh supplements, or any dietary or herbal supplement. Black cohosh supplements come from the dried stems and roots of the black cohosh plant, which is native to North America and related to the buttercup. It has been used for treating menstrual and menopausal symptoms including cramps, hot flashes and night sweats for hundreds of years, dating back to Native American medicine. But few large, controlled studies have found it to be effective and safe, and certain people absolutely should not take it. These include women who are pregnant or  nursing or who have a hormone-sensitive condition such as endometriosis, fibroid tumors or cancer of the breast, ovary or uterus, as well as anyone with a history of liver problems.
  
  Black cohosh supplements may cause side effects ranging from headaches, weight gain and stomach pain to changes in heart rate and dizziness. Talk to your doctor so you can weigh the potential benefits and risks of taking this supplement.
• QWhat drugs and foods interact with black cohosh supplements?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Some drugs may interact with black cohosh, an herb that is sometimes taken in supplement form to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, although its effectiveness hasn't been proved. The herb is sometimes used to relieve side effects of breast cancer treatment, but some doctors recommend waiting until treatment is complete.
  
  Black cohosh also contains small amounts of salicylic acid, so anyone allergic to aspirin should avoid black cohosh. Pregnant women and those with liver problems should not take black cohosh. As with any supplement, consult your doctor before taking black cohosh.
• QDoes black cohosh help reduce hot flashes?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  

  The herb black cohosh reduces hot flashes in 35 percent of cases—the same as a placebo. Because no harm is caused, and 35 percent is nothing to sneeze at, lots of women are plenty happy to keep using it.
  
  You might think that placebos are useless sugar pills for hot flashes or insomnia, but 35 percent of users get relief from them, which is an example of the power of positive thinking and your mind's control of your body.

  

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• QCan black cohosh supplements help treat menopause symptoms?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  It's not clear whether black cohosh supplements are helpful for relieving menopause symptoms. Black cohosh has been touted as a treatment for hot flashes, night sweats and irritability due to menopause for hundreds of years, dating back to Native American medicine. In modern times, however, the results of clinical studies looking at the effects of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms have been mixed. In some, black cohosh supplements appear to help reduce hot flashes, but in others, it's been ineffective. If you have menopause symptoms, black cohosh supplements might be worth a try, but don't take it, or any herbal supplement, without consulting your doctor first.

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• QWhat is black cohosh?

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  A RealAge answered

  Black cohosh is a hardy plant found in the forests of North America. Extracts of black cohosh are prepared from the plant's dried roots and thickened, underground robot-like stem (rhizome).
  
  In laboratory studies, extracts of black cohosh have shown estrogen-like properties. It is used for treating the following conditions:
  

  • premenstrual discomfort
  • painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
  • menopausal symptoms

  Black cohosh is available in a variety of product types. The recommended daily dose of a black cohosh product is the equivalent of 40 milligrams of the crude herbal preparation, which consists of dried roots and rhizome. Use of black cohosh should not exceed six months.

• QWho should not take black cohosh?

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  A RealAge answered

  The following cautions should be considered before using black cohosh:
  
  Situations in which use of black cohosh is not advised:
  

  • Do not use black cohosh during pregnancy or while nursing.
  • Women with breast cancer and women with a family history of breast cancer should speak with their doctors regarding black cohosh use.

  Side effects: Black cohosh may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or upset stomach. It may also cause miscarriage.
  
  Drug interactions: There are no known interactions of black cohosh with any drugs.