Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa) has a long history of traditional use, particularly among Native American peoples and later in Western herbal medicine, for supporting women’s health, especially symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances. The traditional rationale is that black cohosh helps balance the female reproductive system, often interpreted as supporting the "estrogen body system," although the herb does not contain phytoestrogens nor directly increase estrogen levels. Instead, traditional use suggests it acts as a tonic or regulator of female hormonal health.

Scientific research on black cohosh has produced mixed results. Some clinical trials and meta-analyses have found modest reductions in menopausal symptoms compared to placebo, but others have found no significant benefit. The mechanism of action is not well understood; studies suggest that black cohosh does not have direct estrogenic activity but may act on serotonin receptors or other neuroendocrine pathways. Major health authorities, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), note that while some evidence supports its use for menopausal symptoms, it is not conclusive, and efficacy appears to be modest at best. There is insufficient evidence to support its use for other estrogen-related conditions or to directly “support the estrogen body system.”

Overall, black cohosh's use for menopausal symptom relief is primarily supported by tradition, with limited scientific validation, and its effects do not appear to be due to direct estrogenic activity.

More about cohosh
More about Estrogen

Other ingredients that support Estrogen

Other body systems supported by cohosh

Products containing cohosh