There is evidence that actives in black cohosh blocks the estrogen receptor. Reducing estrogen levels will reduce prolactin levels, thereby, promoting menstrual flow.

The salicyclic acid makes it useful for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

During the menopausal period, there is a gradual failure of the ovaries to produce estrogens and progesterone. Through a negative feedback mechanism the pituitary gland produces follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in great quantities. This is a scenario with large quantities of FSH and LH but very low levels of estrogen and progesterone. The large quantities of FSH and LH causes most of the symptoms of menopause; anxiety, emotional instability, irritability, insomnia, hot flushes and cold sweats. Black cohosh through an unknown mechanism blocks this high FSH and LH secretion.

KEY CONSTITUENTS

• Triterpene glycoside: actein, 27-deoxyactein, cimicifugoside.
• Phenylpropane derivatives: isoferulic acid.
• Isoflavone:formononetin
• Tannins
• Salicylic acid
• Resin

• Promotes menstrual flow
• Antirheumatic
• Expectorant
• Sedative