This isopropanolic extract of black cohosh root stock is effective in relieving climacteric symptoms, especially in early climacteric women.

No abstract

Menopausal symptoms management with high-quality plant extracts from Actaea (Cimicifuga. racemosa rootstock is well-established. Efficacy and safety are supported by research and clinical trials since several decades and backed up by official monographs. However, the recent published Cochrane review on black cohosh neglects major evidence for beneficial effects. The authors' negative conclusions are questionable and call for reply and clarification. Our careful reconsideration of all appropriate placebo-controlled clinical studies reveals a standardized mean difference of 0.385 in favor of black cohosh (p < 0.0001).

Black cohosh, Actaea racemosa L (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa[L] Nutt), has enjoyed a rapid rise in popular use for the amelioration or alleviation of menopausal symptoms. At the same time, the last decade has witnessed a significant expansion of research on the chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy and safety of this botanical species. As a consequence of the growing body of data on black cohosh, together with the appearance of reports implicating this botanical in cases of liver damage, the Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health) convened a workshop on the current state of knowledge for black cohosh (Gaithersburg, Maryland; June 2007); this review is based on that workshop. Based on the information presented and the ensuing discussions, several recommendations are proposed to facilitate better understanding and management of the safety of this botanical in the context of clinical trials. Nutr Today. 2009;44(4):155-162