SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF BLACK COHOSH (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA) DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Main Article Content

Jean-Jacques Dugoua
Dugald Seely
Daniel Perri
Gideon Koren Koren
Edward Mills

Keywords

Black Cohosh, cimicifuga racemosa, pregnancy, lactation, breastfeeding, systematic review

Abstract

Background


There is a lack of basic knowledge on the part of both clinicians and patients as to the indications for use and  safety  of  herbal  medicines  in  pregnancy  and  lactation.  This  is  one  article  in  a  series  that systematically reviews the evidence for commonly used herbs during pregnancy and lactation.


 Objectives


To systematically review the literature for evidence on the use, safety, and pharmacology of black cohosh focusing on issues pertaining to pregnancy and lactation.


 Methods


We searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade of evidence found.


 Results


Black cohosh, alone or in combination with other medicinal herbs as “mother’s cordial”, has a long traditional use and is frequently used by midwifes as a uterine stimulant and labour-inducing aid. Low- level evidence based on theory and expert opinion shows the following concerns with respect to black cohosh  use  during  pregnancy:  1)  labour-inducing  effects,  2)  hormonal  effects,  3)  emmenagogue properties and, 4) anovulatory effects. During lactation, there is low -level evidence from theoretical and expert opinion of black cohosh having hormonal properties.


 Conclusions


Black cohosh should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester where its purported labour-inducing effects could be of concern, and during lactation. Black cohosh should undergo rigorous high quality human studies to determine its safety in pregnancy and lactation.

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