The black cohosh plant, also known scientifically as Actaea racemosa (or Cimicifuga racemosa) is a member of the plant family called Ranunculaceae. This herb goes by several different nicknames, including “black bugbane,” “black snakeroot” and “fairy candle.” Although it has many applications, it’s most often used to manage symptoms associated with menopause.
Benefits:
1. May Help Reduce Menopause Symptoms Including Hot Flashes
A great number of studies have focused on use of black cohosh for managing menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes. While some research is inconclusive, this is generally due to the fact that many studies have rated symptoms on a scale, rather comparing it to a placebo. In addition, the specific compounds and dosages of the supplement have been inconsistent in many studies.
While findings have been mixed, many feel there is little doubt that black cohosh is a natural remedy for menopause relief. Certain systematic reviews and studies have found that taking it regularly typically reduces the number and severity of negative symptoms that often overwhelm women with hormone problems.
And there’s more good news: menopausal women aren’t the only ones who suffer from issues like hot flashes. Breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment have shown a decrease in symptoms like sweating when using black cohosh. A current study is also examining the management of flashes in men who have had treatment for prostate cancer.
2. Can Reduce Sleep Disturbances
One factor that worsens other symptoms of menopause is the sleep disturbance that often accompanies this transition. Sleep is vital to balancing hormones naturally, as lack of sleep disturbs hormone production and management, even in normal periods of life.
A recent medical trial for postmenopausal women with sleep complaints found that supplementing their diet with black cohosh effectively improved sleep. Avoiding sleep deprivation may lead to many other benefits, such as help with weight loss, mood stabilization, increased energy levels and more.
3. Promising for Treatment of Diabetes
A breakthrough study recently showed positive impact of black cohosh extract on type II diabetes. While this was a pilot study, the results indicated that the extract called Ze 450 may help reduce body weight and improve the processing of insulin within the body of a diabetic patient.
4. May Help Manage PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Maybe related to its effects in potentially treating diabetes, black cohosh has also been studied regarding PCOS. Initial results suggest this herb has a positive impact on the disorder and could match the treatment of pharmaceutical agents it has been tested against.
5. Can Provide a Safe Alternative to HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
HRT may potentially be a dangerous option for menopause relief, possibly by increasing the risk for development of breast cancer in women when used for over 10 years. This is why many women and practitioners like the idea of an alternative options.
There are several safe, natural remedies for menopause relief, and black cohosh is considered an important item on that list.
6. May Reduce Bone Loss/Osteoporosis
Most plants, including black cohosh, contain organic compounds with biological activity. In the tissues and organs of Actaea racemosa, there is evidence of phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens).
In addition, some of the biological molecules within the plant have been shown to reduce bone loss caused by osteoporosis. One particular molecular compound (deemed ACCX) has presented an encouraging lead in a new class of treatment for osteoporosis.
7. Can Help Treat Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterus, often appearing during years where a woman’s fertility is at its peak. In countries outside of the United States, these are often treated with a synthetic steroid drug called Tibolone. Inside the U.S., various other hormone-based drugs are commonly used.
A 2014 study compared the use of Tibolone to black cohosh to treat these fibroids and found that the extract of Actaea racemosa tested was actually more appropriate than the synthetic alternative to treat uterine fibroids.
By treating fibroids, this herb may also help reduce PMS symptoms, such as menstrual cramps, as well as heavy, painful periods.
8. May Reduce Anxiety
One historic use of this herb was treatment of anxiety and depression. While it has long been considered nothing more than a false remedy, recent research has proposed that it may have a significant impact on anxiety symptoms.
Animal studies have demonstrated that one cycloartane glycoside compound in Actaea racemosa seems to have sedative, anti-anxiety effects in rats due to its impact on GABA receptors.
https://draxe.com/nutrition/black-coh...
