Posted 08 September 2023
Here are some key excerpts from the review published in Cell (abstract below):
“Complementary and alternate medicines (CAMs) for menopausal symptoms have been frequently touted, are widely advertised, and have an overall dismal track record of efficacy when subjected to rigorous scientific study. The best studied of these are phyto (plant) estrogen supplements and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). Systematic reviews of phytoestrogens do not support benefits in the relief of VMS.122,123 In numerous trials, black cohosh, not to be confused with blue cohosh, which has known liver toxicity, has been shown to be safe with limited efficacy in some single-site clinical trials. However, the HALT study, which was the most rigorous and comprehensive clinical trial to date, consisting of 351 participants, demonstrated no improvement with black cohosh over placebo among perimenopausal women experiencing VMS.124 The dilemma that black cohosh poses to the clinician is a common … Read the rest