Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa
This monograph compiles 2 documented constituents, 6 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 8 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Key Constituents
The compounds to which standardised extracts are normalised; act without measurable systemic oestrogenic effect.
Antioxidant constituents of the root.
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Reduces neurovegetative and psychological menopausal symptoms (including anxiety and low mood)
more plants for anxiety →detailed sources →Reduces neurovegetative and psychological menopausal symptoms (including anxiety and low mood)
more plants for low mood / depression →detailed sources →Relief of menopausal symptoms - hot flashes, sweating, sleep and mood disturbance (a meta-analysis supports benefit, though an earlier systematic review judged the evidence inconsistent)
more plants for hot flashes →detailed sources →Reduces neurovegetative and psychological menopausal symptoms (including anxiety and low mood); Relief of menopausal symptoms - hot flashes, sweating, sleep and mood disturbance (a meta-analysis supports benefit, though an earlier systematic review judged the evidence inconsistent)
more plants for menopause →detailed sources →Premenstrual and menstrual complaints (traditional use)
more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →Premenstrual and menstrual complaints (traditional use)
more plants for pms / premenstrual syndrome →detailed sources →Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Rare reports of liver injury have prompted a precaution; large meta-analytic data found no evidence of hepatotoxicity, but stop use and seek advice if signs of liver problems occur (jaundice, dark urine, upper-abdominal pain).
Current evidence does not show an increased risk of breast cancer or proliferation of oestrogen-sensitive tissue, but women with or at risk of hormone-sensitive cancer should use it only under medical guidance.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
References & Sources
- Castelo-Branco, C., Gambacciani, M., Cano, A., Minkin, M.J., Rachon, D., Ruan, X., Beer, A.M., Schnitker, J., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H.H. and Pickartz, S (2020) 'Review & meta-analysis: isopropanolic black cohosh extract iCR for menopausal symptoms - an update on the evidence', Climacteric. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1820477 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2020.1820477 - Fritz, H., Seely, D., McGowan, J., Skidmore, B., Fernandes, R., Kennedy, D.A., Cooley, K., Wong, R., Sagar, S., Balneaves, L.G. and Fergusson, D (2013) 'Black cohosh and breast cancer: a systematic review', Integrative Cancer Therapies. doi:10.1177/1534735413477191 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735413477191 - Castelo-Branco, C., Gambacciani, M., Cano, A., Minkin, M.J., Rachon, D., Ruan, X., Beer, A.M., Schnitker, J., Henneicke-von Zepelin, H.H. and Pickartz, S (2020) 'Review and meta-analysis: isopropanolic black cohosh extract iCR for menopausal symptoms - an update on the evidence', Climacteric, 24(2), pp. 109--119. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1820477 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2020.1820477 - Shahmohammadi, A., Ramezanpour, N., Mahdavi Siuki, M., Dizavandi, F., Ghazanfarpour, M., Rahmani, Y., Tahajjodi, R. and Babakhanian, M (2019) 'The efficacy of herbal medicines on anxiety and depression in peri- and postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Post Reproductive Health, 25(3), pp. 131--141. doi:10.1177/2053369119841166 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2053369119841166 - Borrelli, F. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review of its efficacy', Pharmacological Research, 58(1), pp. 8--14. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2008.05.008 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2008.05.008 - Pokushalov, E., Ponomarenko, A., Garcia, C., Kasimova, L., Pak, I., Shrainer, E., Romanova, A., Kudlay, D., Johnson, M. and Miller, R (2025) 'Assessing the combined effects of Black Cohosh, Soy Isoflavones, and SDG Lignans on menopausal symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial', European Journal of Nutrition, 64(3). doi:10.1007/s00394-025-03588-y Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-025-03588-y - Tanmahasamut, P., Vichinsartvichai, P., Rattanachaiyanont, M., Techatraisak, K., Dangrat, C. and Sardod, P (2014) 'Cimicifuga racemosa extract for relieving menopausal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial', Climacteric, 18(1), pp. 79--85. doi:10.3109/13697137.2014.933410 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2014.933410 - Pockaj, B.A., Gallagher, J.G., Loprinzi, C.L., Stella, P.J., Barton, D.L., Sloan, J.A. and others (2006) 'Phase III double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of black cohosh in the management of hot flashes: NCCTG Trial N01CC1', Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24(18), pp. 2836--2841. doi:10.1200/JCO.2005.05.4296 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2005.05.4296
Generated June 22, 2026 from omniasana.bio