What is the recommended dose of Black Cohosh?

- **Look for:** Standardized isopropanolic extract (iCR), 20-40mg dose, Remifemin or equivalent branded extract - **Avoid:** Unstandardized crude herb; products combining black cohosh with dong qua...

Is Black Cohosh safe to take daily?

Black Cohosh is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

LOADINGLoading your Pro surface...

Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Black Cohosh

MODERATE EVIDENCEBotanicalLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

Black cohosh is the most studied herbal remedy for menopausal hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms. Our research shows it reduces hot flash frequency by 26% and intensity by 37% in a Cochrane meta-analysis, though results across trials are inconsistent. The mechanism is NOT estrogenic (contrary to popular belief) — it acts on serotonin and opioid receptors. Hepatotoxicity reports, while rare, led to mandatory label warnings in several countries.

WHAT IT DOES

Despite decades of assumption, black cohosh does NOT act as a phytoestrogen. Our research shows it modulates serotonin receptors (5-HT1A and 5-HT7) — the same pathway that makes SSRIs effective for hot flashes. It also has opioid receptor activity (mu and kappa) which contributes to thermoregulatory effects. The triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside) are the primary active compounds, with the isopropanolic extract concentrating these most effectively.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Standardized isopropanolic extract (iCR), 20-40mg dose, Remifemin or equivalent branded extract
Avoid: Unstandardized crude herb; products combining black cohosh with dong quai, chasteberry, and soy in undisclosed proprietary blend; ethanolic extracts (less studied)
Minimum effective dose: 20mg standardized extract twice daily
Third-party tested brands: Remifemin (iCR extract, most clinical data), Nature's Way

Scan a supplement containing Black Cohosh

SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

RELATED RESEARCH

Apigenin

ApigeninChamomile extract

Apocynum Venetum

ArjunaArjuna bark

Scan Your Black Cohosh Supplement Browse all ingredients

Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

Discover More

Explore

Browse All 834 Ingredients Browse All 20 Conditions