BLACK COHOSH PE

DESCRIPTION
Black cohosh is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. It has traditionally been used by Native Americans to relieve menstrual cramps and "female complaints" and was used later by American colonists to treat amenorrhea (lack of menstruation). It primary use in modern alternative medicine is for relief of symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and depression.

EFFICACY
• Relief of menopausal symptoms such as:
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Headache
• Night sweats

THEORY
Although the precise chemical makeup and mechanism of action has not been identified for black cohosh, the main active constituents are thought to be the triterpene glycosides, although isoflavones, alkaloids and phenolic acids may contribute to the overall activity of the plant extract. Some fractions of black cohosh extract are known to bind to estrogen receptors, but it is unclear whether they produce true estrogenic effects in vivo.