Black cohosh efficacy and safety for menopausal symptoms. The Spanish Menopause Society statement

Abstract

Objective

The increasing interest in Western countries regarding phytotherapy use to treat menopause-related symptoms has led the Spanish Menopause Society (AEEM) to update its position statement performed in 2009 on the role of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Material and methods

A panel of experts from both clinical and research backgrounds were assembled to investigate the best available evidence. Selected studies were obtained by an electronic search, including the Internet search engines MEDLINE-Pubmed (1997–December 2021) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.

Results

Most of the well-designed studies published in recent years have been conducted with the isopropanolic extract of black cohosh/C. racemosa. The most common dose is 40 mg/day capable of achieving a significant reduction in hot flushes (particularly in women with intense hot flushes) and an improvement in mood. Used at the recommended doses, C. racemose produces no significant adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Black cohosh is an effective and safe treatment option for the relieving of vasomotor symptoms. Finally, further clinical trials with sufficient patient enrollment and longer study follow-up are needed.

摘要

目的:西方国家对应用植物疗法治疗绝经相关症状越来越感兴趣, 这使得西班牙绝经学会(AEEM)更新了其2009年发表的关于黑升麻(美类叶升麻)在治疗绝经症状中的作用的相关声明。

材料和方法:召集有临床和研究背景的专家小组一同调查现有的最好的证据。通过电子检索获得选定的研究, 包括互联网搜索引擎MEDLINE-Pubmed(1997-2021年12月)和临床对照对照试验资料库。

结果:近年来发表的大多数研究设计都是采用黑升麻的异丙醇提取物进行相关研究。最常见的剂量是40毫克/天, 能够显著减少潮热(特别是对于有强烈潮热的妇女)并改善情绪。在推荐剂量下应用, 不会产生明显的不良反应。

结论:黑升麻是缓解血管舒缩症状的一种安全有效的治疗方法。最后, 需要进行更多的临床试验, 包括足够的患者登记和更长时间的随访。

Keywords:

• Black cohosh
• cimicifuga racemosa
• vasomotor symptoms
• menopause

Author contributions

CCB and MC designed the search; CCB, MC, and CN, wrote the main manuscript; FL and EB critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors contributed to the selection of articles, were responsible for the study concept and design, and participated in the development of the search strategy and the critical appraisal of the results. All authors revised and approved the final version.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare having no conflict of interest.