The latest study on black cohosh as a suitable alternative treatment for menopausal complaints found no evidence to support its use.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and conducted at Group Health in conjuction with the University of Washington. It was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers compared five different therapies in 351 women with menopausal complaints including at least two daily episodes of hot flashes for one month or greater.
Black cohosh alone and combined with other herbal therapies was compared to hormone replacement therapy.
They did not find any difference between black cohosh, either alone or combined, and placebo in terms of net effect on hot flash episodes. Hormone replacement therapy did cause a significant decline in episodes of hot flashes.
However, hormone replacement therapy has been under scrutiny since a study in 2003 found that it increase the risk of certain cancers and heart disease in post menopausal women. Since that study was released many women have been turning to alternative treatments.
The most popular has been black cohosh, which is widely used in Europe. Several studies have found benefit, but most recently the evidence has been mixed.
The release of these findings has already signalled backlash from supporters for black cohosh. They state the study has serious flaws, and do not believe it is valid.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 27, 2006 11:34 PM
