 Black Cohosh Description |
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Relief from menopause symptoms.
Standardized extract for consistent benefits.
Menopause relief doesn't have to be scary. Black cohosh has been studied for over 40 years for its ability to reduce menopausal discomfort. This traditionally-used herb is available in a standardized extract, for consistent benefits from hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.
Menopause
Menopause is defined as “permanent cessation of menstruation.”1 It results when the ovaries decrease production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, and it signals the end of a woman's reproductive ability.2
It is estimated that over 5,400 women enter menopause daily in North America.2 For most women, menopause occurs as part of the natural aging process, usually between the ages of 35 and 58. This hormonal change is influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environmental stresses. Premature menopause is sometimes linked to other physical or hormonal disorders. However, some women may experience induced menopause as a result of surgical removal of the ovaries.
Menopause-related changes are unique for each woman, and may range from mild to severe. In early menopause, some women may experience mood swings, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, depression, changes in tolerance to heat or cold, joint and muscle pain, allergies, and headaches. As production of estrogen decreases, additional menopause-related changes may include irregular menstrual patterns, night sweats, fatigue, vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire or response, forgetfulness, hot flashes, and weight fluctuations.
The natural decline in estrogen is often described in four stages:
Premenopause is marked by hormonal fluctuations associated with early menopause-related changes while maintaining regular menstrual cycles. Some women experience premenopause in their late thirties to early forties. Perimenopause, the transition between the premenopausal phase and menopause, is characterized by changes in estrogen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased menopausal symptoms.Menopause is the lack of spontaneous menstruation for twelve consecutive months with no identifiable biological cause.
Postmenopause is the period of life that follows the last menstrual period when a woman's natural levels of estrogen are at their lowest.
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| Black Cohosh Suggested Use |
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One tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. Do not chew.
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| Black Cohosh Ingredients/Supplement Facts |
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| Supplement
Facts |
| Serving Size: 1 Tablet |
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| Ingredients |
Amount |
%DV |
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Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Root and Rhizome extract
standardized to contain 2.5%
triterpene glycosides (0.5 mg)
calculated as 27-deoxyactein. |
20 mg |
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| Other Ingredients: cellulose, modified cellulose, magnesium stearate, lecithin, peppermint leaf, and carnauba wax.
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Contains No
sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives or ingredients of animal origin. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal.
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| Black Cohosh Additional Information |
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How Does It Work?:
Black Cohosh and Menopause
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. This herb has traditionally been used to support women's health. Its approved monograph in The Complete German Commission E Monographs discusses the well-documented use of Cimicifuga racemosa for the relief of menopausal complaints.
The primary constituents in Cimicifuga racemosa extract are glycosides, specifically triterpene glycosides which include cimicifugoside, actein and 27-deoxyactein. The Cimicifuga racemosa extract used in Black Cohosh is standardized to these triterpene glycosides measured as 27-deoxyactein.
The exact mechanism of action for the effects of black cohosh has not been fully elucidated. Early research hypothesized that black cohosh exerted estrogen-like effects. Recent animal research shows that black cohosh binds to the estrogen receptor; however, it does not affect the luteinizing hormone level and does not exhibit estrogen-like effects. Thus, there is currently no consensus as to the biological effect of this binding.Research indicates that Cimicifuga racemosa does not alter estrogen levels and does not change the thickening of the lining of the uterus.
How black cohosh works at the cellular level is currently being studied in several ongoing research projects. To date, there is no definitive published data available to clearly describe the process; however, forty years of clinical studies on a standardized black cohosh extract have shown efficacy in the relief of hot flashes, profuse sweating, insomnia and depressive moods associated with menopause, with few adverse effects.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, a researcher compared women who took standardized black cohosh extract with women taking a placebo. At the end of the study, the women taking the standardized black cohosh extract showed improvement relative to the placebo as measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and the Maturation Index of vaginal epithelium. No clear improvement of menopausal complaints was observed in the control (placebo) group. This study demonstrated clinical and statistical improvement of menopausal symptoms by the women taking the standardized black cohosh extract.
In a more recent 6-month randomized, open-label trial involving 53 women, significant decreases in unwanted menopause-related symptoms were reported following the administration of Cimicifuga racemosa.
The benefits of Black Cohosh may be first experienced in two to three weeks; however, the full benefits may not be realized until after four to eight weeks of administration.
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| Black Cohosh Warning |
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Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this product. If taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
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