NOW Foods Black Cohosh Root

Name: NOW Foods Black Cohosh Root
Brand: NOW Foods
SKU: 733739046079
Price: 12.44 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Brands: NOW Foods

£12.44

Black cohosh root extract with licorice and dong quai, from NOW Foods.

What it is

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) root, standardised to 2.5% triterpene glycosides
80mg per capsule
Licorice root and dong quai alongside it

How to use

Take as directed on the pack, with water.

Good to know

Suitable for vegetarians

A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated dose. Keep out of reach of children.

Quantity

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Categories : Caffeine-Free Supplements, Everyday Health Supplements, Greens, Superfoods & Herbal Supplements, Herbal Supplements, NOW Foods, Supplements for Women, Vegetarian Supplements, Vitamins & Supplements, Women's Vitamins & Supplements

SKU: 733739046079

At a glance

Insufficient

evidence for black cohosh

Our honest take

Black cohosh root extract standardised to 2.5% triterpene glycosides, with liquorice root and dong quai: 2 capsules a day give 160 mg of black cohosh, 250 mg of liquorice and 250 mg of dong quai, so the 90-capsule pot lasts 45 days. It is sold for women around the menopause, but we make no claims about menopause, the evidence for black cohosh is weak, and none of these herbs has an authorised claim. Black cohosh carries a liver warning and liquorice can raise blood pressure, so speak to your GP first.

You have discussed black cohosh with your GP and want a standardised extract
You have no liver problems and take no regular medication
You have or have had liver problems, or notice yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine or tummy pain while taking it (stop and see a doctor)
You have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, or take blood thinners, HRT, the pill or tamoxifen
You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have had a hormone-sensitive cancer

The science

Black cohosh· evidence: Insufficient

Black cohosh (Actaea or Cimicifuga racemosa) is a North American root, usually sold as an extract standardised to triterpene glycosides. It is one of the most widely studied herbs marketed for women around the menopause.

A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence that it makes a difference compared with placebo, and trial results are inconsistent. There are no authorised health claims for black cohosh in food supplements, so we make no claims about what it does. If menopause symptoms are affecting you, speak to your GP about the options available.

Typical dose: Extracts typically give 20 to 80 mg a day.

Safety: Black cohosh has been linked to rare but serious liver problems; the MHRA requires a liver warning on licensed products. Do not use if you have or have had liver problems. Stop and see a doctor straight away if you notice yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, tummy pain, nausea or unusual tiredness. Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have had a hormone-sensitive cancer, and speak to your GP first if you take HRT, the pill, tamoxifen or other regular medication.

Research we looked at:
Leach MJ, Moore V (2012). Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD007244.
MHRA (2006). Black cohosh: new labelling to include warning about possible liver injury. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
European Medicines Agency (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt., rhizoma.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)· evidence: Insufficient

Dong quai is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often in formulas for women. There are very few good-quality human trials of dong quai taken on its own, and those that exist have not shown a clear effect.

There are no authorised health claims for dong quai, so we make no claims about what it does.

Typical dose: Products typically give 500 to 1,500 mg of root or extract a day.

Safety: Dong quai can increase the effect of warfarin and other blood thinners and has been linked to bleeding; stop before surgery. It contains compounds that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take regular medication.

Research we looked at:
NCCIH. Dong Quai. National Institutes of Health.
Page RL, Lawrence JD (1999). Potentiation of warfarin by dong quai. Pharmacotherapy 19(7):870-876.

Ingredients & nutrition

Per daily dose (2 capsules): black cohosh root extract (Actaea racemosa, 2.5% triterpene glycosides) 160 mg; liquorice root 250 mg; dong quai root 250 mg. 90 capsules, 45 daily doses.

Other ingredients: hypromellose (cellulose capsule), rice flour, tapioca maltodextrin, stearic acid. Suitable for vegans.

Always check the pack you receive, as manufacturers sometimes update recipes.

How to use

Take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 in the evening. Do not exceed the stated daily dose. Stop and see your GP if you notice signs of liver trouble (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain). Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, with liver disease, high blood pressure, blood thinners or a hormone-sensitive condition.

Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. General information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.