Therapy Description:
Black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa L., a perennial herb that grows in the Northern American parts, is one of the powerful herbs used in Native American medicine. Native American tribes have long held the medicinal value of roots in treating many ailments, including types of menopausal problems such as hot flashes and mood swings, among others. Black cohosh comes in different kinds (capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts) (Mahady, 2005). Usually, women use it as a dietary supplement to solve menopausal complaints.
How is the Therapy Theorized to Work
The way of functioning of the black cohosh that makes it effective for managing menopause symptomatology remains a matter of intensive research and debate. One theoretical idea proposes that black cohosh functions and exerts estrogenic effects when it attaches itself to estrogen receptors in the body. However, its attachment strength is much weaker than that of natural estrogen. The mechanism that discusses the interactions between the phytosterols and estrogen receptors might help improve the hormonal balance and relieve the symptoms linked with estrogen deficiency that are observed in menopause (Mahady, 2005). Nevertheless, black cohosh’s estrogenic activity investigations resulted in mixed findings; in a way, some researchers proved the estrogenic effects, and others did not find the hormone-related activity.
Besides, chances are that black cohosh affects the neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which is also being studied. Black cohosh also could relate to serotonin receptors and some substances involved in the heat regulation and mood of ladies, so it can be used against hot flashes, night sweats, and bad moods that occur in women during menopause (Mahady, 2005). Nevertheless, more complicated studies are still needed to unveil the exact neurochemical facts of black cohosh being a menthol.
It should also be considered that the black cohosh has been classically used since the century to bring some reprieve on the symptoms of menopause, and the underlying mechanisms of actions are yet to be fully comprehended. Hormonal, neurological, and inflammatory systems are the common biological paths with which black cohosh interactions stem from their underlying therapeutic efficacy (Taku., 2012). The search for understanding the special action of black cohosh on menopause symptoms can continue with further research into the complexities of the mechanisms.
Cost:
Amazon states that black cohosh dietary supplement bottles can be obtained in quantities of $10-$20, depending on the brand, dosage strength, and sizes of the bottles. They range from about a 3–4 month supply. The prices may change because of a number of factors, including the form (capsules, tablets, liquid extracts), potency, and additional ingredients (Taku, 2012).
Risks and Benefits:
Black cohosh is considered safe to be used for a short term by individuals; however, it may show some drawbacks and benefits too:
Benefits:
- Relevant to menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweating, and mood swings, and relief is available.
- Possible developments such as better sleep and general maintenance of menopausal passage.
- The woman can look for a natural alternative to HRT if synthetic drugs are not her first choice or she would like to combine it with non-pharmacological options for the alleviation of symptoms (Taku., 2012).
- Now, virtually everywhere, an OTC supplement is provided at a cost that is typically less than that of the more expensive prescription medications.
Risks:
- Potential side effects include stomach discomfort, nausea, headaches, and allergies.
- Lack of long-term safety information, especially concerning the effect of this agent on hormone-sensitivity conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis.
- The effects of some drugs could interfere with drug interactions during treatment, for example, blood thinners, hormone therapies, or drugs being metabolized by the liver.
- Undetermined variation and unpredictability at the quality and strength level across different brands and formulations contribute to the discrepancy in the therapeutic effect (making things uniform) (Taku., 2012).
In conclusion, black cohosh is a well-accepted herbal remedy for the effects of estrogen deprivation provoked by the development of menopause, with hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances among the symptoms most frequent. Nevertheless, its way of action is especially complicated and partially unexplained, showing the necessity for studies aimed at elucidation it is clinical utility and safety. Persons who wonder if black cohosh supplementing would be beneficial to them must carefully consider both the potential positive effects and risk of side effects, and discuss their choice with a professional health care provider for personalized recommendations and surveillance.
References
Mahady, G. B. (2005). Black Cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa) Review of the clinical data for safety and efficacy in menopausal symptoms. Treatments in endocrinology, 4, 177-184.
Taku, K., Melby, M. K., Kronenberg, F., Kurzer, M. S., & Messina, M. (2012). Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 19(7), 776-790.
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