Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
07:20
Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Xiaoyao Pills in The Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2024
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms
Matthew J Leach1, Vivienne Moore
1School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. Matthew.leach@unisa.edu.au.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 14, 2012
Summary
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) does not show significant effectiveness for menopausal symptoms compared to placebo. More high-quality research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy for women
Area of Science:
- Herbal medicine research
- Women's health
- Menopause management
Background:
- Menopause significantly impacts women's well-being, causing symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Hormone therapy is effective but carries risks; black cohosh is explored as an alternative.
- Clinical evidence for black cohosh's effectiveness in menopause has been inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.
- Included perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in the evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to March 2012.
- Included 16 RCTs with 2027 participants comparing oral black cohosh to placebo or other treatments.
- Assessed outcomes including vasomotor symptoms, vulvovaginal symptoms, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Black cohosh showed no significant difference from placebo for hot flashes or menopausal symptom scores.
- Hormone therapy was more effective than black cohosh for reducing hot flashes and symptom scores.
- Safety and effectiveness data were inconclusive due to poor reporting and study heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence currently supports black cohosh for menopausal symptom relief.
- Further high-quality studies are needed, focusing on improved reporting of methods and outcomes.
- The effects on quality of life, bone health, and cost-effectiveness require further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...