Black Cohosh
Also known as: Cimicifuga racemosa, Actaea racemosa, black snakeroot, Remifemin (branded extract)
Black cohosh is a North American herb whose root and rhizome have been studied for decades in women going through menopause. Extracts are standardized to triterpene glycosides, usually 2.5%, and the best-studied preparations deliver roughly 20 to 40 mg of extract per day. It is the anchor ingredient in many menopause-support formulas and is commonly combined with red clover, vitex, or soy isoflavones. Because of rare reports involving the liver, quality sourcing and species verification matter.
Research summary
Studied for effects on serotonergic and thermoregulatory signaling; not thought to act as an estrogen.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mg | 20–40 mg | — | — |
20 to 40 mg of standardized extract daily, often as 20 mg twice daily. Effects in trials developed over 4 to 12 weeks. Case reports of liver problems have been published; regulators in several countries require a liver-related caution on labels, and adulteration with other Actaea species has been implicated in some reports.
Standardization: 2.5% triterpene glycosides
Source material: root and rhizome extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Low dose is easy to tablet; bitter in powders.
Formulation notes
Verify species identity (Actaea racemosa) on the CoA. Often combined with red clover and vitex.
Sources
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