Efficacy and safety of isopropanolic black cohosh extract for climacteric symptoms

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Title: Black Cohosh Extract May Relieve Climacteric Symptoms During

Menopause

“Efficacy and safety of isopropanolic black cohosh extract for

climacteric symptoms,” Osmers R, Friede M, et al, Obstet Gynecol, 2005;

105(5 Pt 1): 1074-83. (Address: Hildesheim General Hospital Department

of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hildesheim, Germany. E-mail:

frauenklinik@... ).

Summary: In a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled

clinical trial involving 304 menopausal women experiencing climacteric

symptoms, ingestion of 40 mg/day isopropanolic black cohosh extract was

found to significantly reduce symptoms, particularly among those in the

early climacteric phase, over a period of 12 weeks. Subjects were

randomly divided into an active group that received 40 mg/day black

cohosh extract, and a placebo group. After 12 weeks of treatment,

subjects in the active group were found to experience clinically

relevant improvements in the Menopause Rating Scale (effect size: 0.03

to 0.05 units) comparable to those found among subjects in a recent

study using hormone replacement therapy (0.036 units). The subscore for

hot flashes most noticeably demonstrated the efficacy of black cohosh

extract. Time of symptom onset and level of follicle-stimulating hormone

(FSH) impacted the effectiveness of the treatment, with women in the

early phase of symptoms exp eriencing a greater benefit from the

extract. No significant differences were found between the active and

placebo groups in terms of adverse events or tolerability. These results

suggest that isopropanolic black cohosh root extract may bring

significant relief to menopausal women experiencing climacteric

symptoms, such as hot flashes.

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ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

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