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Black cohosh
Black cohosh is a botanical extract that may modulate estrogen signaling and reduce vasomotor symptoms, though its exact mechanism remains incompletely understood.
Black cohosh is a botanical extract that may modulate estrogen signaling and reduce vasomotor symptoms, though its exact mechanism remains incompletely understood. Used for Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats), Menopausal mood and sleep disturbances.
At a glance
| Generic name | Black cohosh |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Actaea racemosa |
| Sponsor | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) |
| Drug class | Herbal/botanical extract |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Women's Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) contains multiple bioactive compounds that may interact with estrogen receptors or serotonergic pathways. It is traditionally used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, though clinical evidence for efficacy is mixed and the precise molecular targets have not been definitively established.
Approved indications
- Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
- Menopausal mood and sleep disturbances
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Rash
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Clinical Markers of Dysphagia in Cardiac Surgical Patients
- The Benefits of Natural Medicine, Vitamin IV Therapy and Supplements: Maintaining Good Health Through Nature
- Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Black Cohosh, Soy Isoflavones, and SDG Lignans (Soloways TM) on Menopausal Symptoms (NA)
- A Pilot Pre-operative Window Trial of Black Cohosh in Women With Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (NA)
- EFFICACY OF ANSA (Experimental Drug) & CRAN MAX (Control Drug) SACHET (PHASE3)
- Dysphagia in Cardiac Surgical Patients_
- Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Fixed-dose Combination of Estradiol / Dydrogesterone in Perimenopausal Women (PHASE4)
- Effect of Menopause Relief EP-40 in Women With Menopausal Symptoms (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Black cohosh CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Black cohosh updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) portfolio CI