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Black Cohosh

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Black Cohosh. Standardized extract for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

How it works. Non-estrogenic; possibly modulates serotonin and dopamine receptors.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces menopausal hot flashes (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 20–40 mg Remifemin × 2/d.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity (rare case reports).

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with Liver disease.

Common forms. Available as Remifemin standardized.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Black Cohosh. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Black Cohosh. Standardized extract for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Key compound: acteinC37H56O11 · 676.8 g/mol

What it is

Standardized extract for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Also called

Actaea racemosa

Food sources

Actaea racemosa root

Goals

How it works

Non-estrogenic; possibly modulates serotonin and dopamine receptors.

Pathways

  • Serotonergic

Effects

  • ↓Hot flashes decreases

What the research supports

Reduces menopausal hot flashesmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
20–40 mg Remifemin × 2/d
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the remifemin standardized form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (rare case reports)

Medication interactions

Hepatotoxic drugsmoderate

Caution.

Tamoxifenmoderate

Uncertain interaction.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • Liver diseaseHepatotoxicity reports.

Common forms

  • Remifemin standardized

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Black cohosh for menopausal symptoms ↗
Meta-analysis · Cochrane Database · 2012

Insufficient evidence to support routine use.

PubMed: Black Cohosh — Reduces menopausal hot flashes ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Black Cohosh and "Reduces menopausal hot flashes". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Black Cohosh — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Black Cohosh and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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