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Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Arthritis pain (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis)There is not enough human research to make a clear recommendation regarding the use of black cohosh for painful joints in rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. | C |
Breast cancerThere is not enough human research to make a clear recommendation regarding the use of black cohosh for breast cancer. | C |
InfertilityThere is not enough scientific evidence to make a clear recommendation regarding the use of black cohosh for infertility. | C |
Menopausal symptomsBlack cohosh is a popular alternative to prescription hormonal therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood problems, perspiration, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. Initial human research suggests that black cohosh may improve some of these symptoms for up to six months. However, the current evidence is mixed and more studies are needed to make a strong recommendation. | C |
Migraine (menstrual)Approximately 30% of women afflicted with migraines have menstrual-related migraines. Black cohosh may be a potential treatment for these migraines, although additional study of black cohosh alone is needed to make a strong recommendation. | C |
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Abortifacient (induces abortion), AIDS, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anxiety, aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire), appetite stimulant, asthma, back pain, bone diseases, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), breast cysts, bronchitis, cancer, cervical dysplasia (abnormal pap smear), chemotherapy induced premature menopause, child birth (labor induction), chorea, cough remedy, decreased blood platelets, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), edema (swelling), emmenagogue (promotes menstruation), endometriosis, estrogenic agent, fever, gall bladder disorders, gingivitis, headache, heart disease/palpitations, high blood pressure, inflammation, insect repellent, itchiness, joint pain, kidney inflammation, leukorrhea (abnormal vaginal discharge), liver disease, malaria, measles, menstrual period problems, miscarriage, muscle pain, muscle spasms, nerve pain, ovarian cysts, pain, pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas), perspiration, pertussis (whooping cough), polycystic breast disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, perimenopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rash, rheumatism, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, snakebites, sore throat, tamoxifen-related hot flashes, urinary disorders, urogenital atrophy (tissues of the vagina and bladder become thinner often resulting in pain and infection), uterine diseases and bleeding, wrinkle prevention, yellow fever.
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
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