Black Cohosh Liquid Extract

Alleviates menopausal discomforts
2oz Bottle, Code 3092

Suggested Retail $25.95
$21.95

Black Cohosh has been shown to alleviate menopausal discomforts. An important and widely studied plant component used to treat menopause is a standardized extract from the black cohosh plant, which is also known as Cimicu-fuga racemosa. This black cohosh extract is approved by the German Ministry of Health (The German Komission E) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms related to estrogen deficiency.

Standardized black cohosh has been trademarked under the name Remifemin for sale as a drug in countries throughout the world. More than 1.7 million women in Europe and Australia have used this natural herbal extract to treat menopausal symptoms. Clinical studies show that Remifemin alleviates not only hot flashes, but also depression, anxiety, vaginal atrophy, and a host of other menopause-related disorders (Liske 1998).

A fascinating early study involved 60 women who were given standardized black cohosh extract, Valium, or Premarin (synthetic estrogen) for menopausal symptoms. The women in the black cohosh group were relieved of their depression and anxiety more effectively than the women in the Valium or Premarin groups (Warnecke 1985).
Another early study of black cohosh extract involved women under age 40 who produced very little natural estrogen or progesterone because their ovaries had been removed by hysterectomy. One group received estriol (a weak, but safer form of estrogen); the second group received Premarin; the third took Premarin and a progestin drug; the fourth group was given black cohosh extract; and the fifth group received a placebo. This 24-week study rated the women according to symptoms, including hot flashes, irritability, heart palpitations, etc. The results of the study demonstrated that women in all groups receiving different forms of estrogen-progestin and black cohosh extract experienced a 30% improvement. No improvement was seen in the placebo group. At the conclusion of the study, the majority of women receiving the estrogen drugs or black cohosh extract were symptom free. Most importantly, the women receiving the black cohosh extract reported fewer side effects. This study showed that phytotherapy with standardized black cohosh worked as well as estrogen drugs, but produced fewer uncomfortable and dangerous side effects (Lehmann-Willenbrock et al. 1988).
The most impressive early study on black cohosh was carried out by 131 physicians in 629 menopausal women. This study demonstrated that black cohosh extract produced clear improvement in over 80% of patients within 6-8 weeks. Both physical and psychological symptoms improved. The results of the changes in specific menopausal symptoms appear in the following table:

Percent who became symptom-free..Percent who showed improvement Symptom

Most patients in this clinical study reported noticeable benefits within 4 weeks. After 6-8 weeks, complete resolution of symptoms was reported in a high number of patients (Stolze 1982).

A placebo-controlled study by Duker et al. (1991) investigated the hormonal mechanisms by which black cohosh alleviates menopausal symptoms. The physicians conducting the study pointed out that hot flashes correspond closely with a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) released from the pituitary gland in response to estrogen deficiency. The weak estrogen-like effects of black cohosh suppressed increased luteinizing hormone secretion in menopausal women, and this effect was specifically linked with a reduction in the incidence of hot flashes (Duker et al. 1991).

Black cohosh extract has shown estrogenic effects within the body in several studies, but it does not elevate estrogen levels in the blood. Black cohosh extract appears to bind to estrogen receptors in order to mimic the hormonal effects of the weak estrogen, estriol. Estriol is a weak estrogen that has been shown to protect against the types of cancers that more potent forms of estrogen (estradiol and estrone) appear to cause. Black cohosh extract has been referred to as being "estriol-like" because of the rejuvenating effect it exerts on the vaginal, rather than the uterine, lining. However, this weak estriol-like effect of black cohosh has not been shown to have a significant effect on bone density. Because bone density decreases substantially during the first 7 years after occurrence of menopause, osteoporosis is one of the long-term risk factors resulting from a prolonged deficiency of hormones and an imbalance of these hormones in the menopausal and postmenopausal period.

Liske (1998) states that black cohosh shows good therapeutic efficacy and tolerability profiles. Because of the impressive safety record of standardized black cohosh extract, it is has become a popular natural alternative to FDA-approved estrogen drugs. However, this phytoestrogen has not demonstrated any significant effect on the prevention of osteoporosis. It therefore should be used in conjunction with other agents that protect against bone loss.

Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: Do not take while pregnant.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease