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Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, recently published in the journal Menopause, demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of the root and rhizome of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt., Ranunculaceae) may prevent bone degradation and produce moderate stimulating effects of the vaginal mucosa in postmenopausal women.1 Daily doses of either a special black cohosh ethanolic extract (BNO 1055, Klymadynon®, Bionorica, Neumarkt, Germany), conjugated estrogens, or placebo were given to 62 postmenopausal women over the course of 12 weeks in this small trial conducted by German researchers. The black cohosh extract was shown to increase osteoblast activity (osteoblasts are cells responsible for bone formation), indicating its potential to prevent osteoporosis. Black cohosh also contributed to a slight increase of superficial cells in the vaginal mucosa, which can lead to improved lubrication and a lowered risk of bacterial infection. Moreover, black cohosh was well-tolerated by trial participants and seemed to have no negative effects on the liver.
Treatment options such as black cohosh are particularly important for postmenopausal women, in light of the adverse health effects of conventional hormone replacement therapy that were discovered several years ago. The results of this new trial published in Menopause actually represent the secondary endpoints of the featured trial. A previous article, published in the journal Maturitas in 2003, disclosed the primary objectives and results of the study.2
-Courtney Cavaliere
References
1. Wuttke W, Gorkow C, Seidlova-Wuttke D. Effects of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) on bone turnover, vaginal mucosa, and various blood parameters in postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conjugated estrogens-controlled study. Menopause. 2006:13(2);185-196.
2. Wuttke W, Seidlova-Wuttke D, Gorkow C. The Cimicifuga preparation BNO 1055 vs conjugated estrogens in a double-blind placebo-controlled study: effects on menopause symptoms and bone markers. Maturitas. 2003:44 Suppl 1;67-77.
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