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Protocols: Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L Nutt)

Psychoactive

Description: Used by North American aboriginal peoples as a treatment for hot flashes, anxiety, and dysphoria associated with menopause, as an analgesic, and to promote lactation and menses.

Method of Action: Putative action is on the gonadotropin system through direct estrogen ligands that suppress lutenizing hormone release and through nonestrogen ligands that appear to decrease lutenizing hormone secretion with long-term use.

Indications and Usage: For the treatment of menopausal symptoms (physical and psychological), premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea.

Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or lactating without first seeking advice from your physician.

Dosage and Administration: 40 to 200 mg daily in divided doses.

Clinical Effect In: 2 to 6 weeks.

Adverse Reactions: Gastric upset, headaches, dysphoria, cardiovascular depression. Liver and hman blood mononuclear toxicity has been found for this product during in vitro testing. Also found to inactivate p450 liver enzymes resulting in decrease in control cytochrome (isozymes 2E 1 and 4A) activity during in vitro testing. If you suspect that an herb or other supplement is making you sick, call the FDA's MedWatch hotline at 800-332-1088 or contact the agency via its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Known Interactive Effects: Caution should be exercised if herb is taken with other hormonal therapies since C racemosa likely interacts with the sex hormone.

Additional Considerations: In randomized studies Black Cohosh was found to have comparable efficacy with conventional hormonal therapy for the treatment of ovarian insufficiency symptoms and superior efficacy for the treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms of menopause.

Warnings: The information above is provided for educational purposes and may not be construed as a medical prescription or as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Do not use this product without first consulting your physician especially if you are pregnant or lactating. Be advised that some herbs and dietary supplements can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals and may also have an adverse result in conjunction with other medications, or treatments. You should regularly consult your physician in matters regarding your health and particularly in respect to symptoms and conditions which may require diagnosis or medical attention. Reevaluate use of this product after 6 months.

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