Black Cohosh

Hormone Support

Also known as: Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa, Black snakeroot, Bugbane, Remifemin

Grade A

💊 20-40mg standardized extract (often Remifemin) daily🎯 9 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings

Overview

Black cohosh is a traditional herbal remedy primarily used for menopausal symptom relief, with moderate clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for hot flashes and night sweats. Its mechanisms likely involve phytoestrogen activity and serotonergic pathways, though the active constituents remain incompletely characterized.

Primary Uses

Hot flashesMenopause symptomsMood (menopause)Night sweatsMenopause moodVasomotor symptomsMenopausal hot flashesMenopause-related mood changesVaginal dryness

Frequently Asked About Black Cohosh

How much Black Cohosh should I take?

The typical effective range is 20-40mg standardized extract (often Remifemin) daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

When is the best time to take Black Cohosh?

Divided doses. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.

Should I take Black Cohosh with food?

Either way.

Does Black Cohosh interact with medications?

Yes — known interactions include Hepatotoxic drugs, Statins, and Tamoxifen (unclear). If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Black Cohosh.

What does Black Cohosh pair well with?

Black Cohosh stacks well with St. John's Wort, Red Clover, and Maca — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.

Who should not take Black Cohosh?

Black Cohosh should be avoided or used with caution by people with Liver disease and Hormone-sensitive cancers (caution). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

What are the side effects of Black Cohosh?

Most people tolerate Black Cohosh well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset, Headache, and Dizziness. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range

20-40mg standardized extract (often Remifemin) daily

Timing

Divided doses

With food

Either way

Duration

Up to 6 months, reassess

Special Populations

Menopausal and perimenopausal women

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Black Cohoshyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Black Cohosh research

PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trials PubMed (all) ↗Full literature Cochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviews Examine.com ↗Research summaries

Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

• Modulates serotonin receptors
• Does not act as estrogen
• Reduces vasomotor symptoms
• Mood support

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade A

Strong evidence for hot flashes and menopause symptoms

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings

• Rare liver toxicity reports - monitor
• Seek care if jaundice/abdominal pain

Contraindications

• Liver disease
• Hormone-sensitive cancers (caution)

Common Side Effects

• GI upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weight gain (rare)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid

Liver & Kidney Notes

Monitor liver function, rare hepatotoxicity reported

Interactions

💊 Medications

• Hepatotoxic drugs
• Statins
• Tamoxifen (unclear)

🧪 Supplements

• Often combined with St. John's Wort

🍽️ Food & Alcohol

• Either way

Stacking & Synergies

Pairs Well With

St. John's Wort ↗Red CloverMaca ↗

Avoid Combining With

Hepatotoxic medications

Best Goal Synergies

Hot flashesMenopause symptoms

Buying Guide

What to Look For

• Authentic Actaea racemosa
• Standardized extract
• Remifemin studied

Standardization Markers

Triterpene glycosides 2.5%

Adulteration risk

Moderate (species substitution)

Practical Notes

• Does NOT act as estrogen
• Monitor liver with long-term use
• Remifemin most studied brand
• Remifemin most studied

Related Guides

In-depth guides covering Black Cohosh — protocols, comparisons, and use cases.

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Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.

Cite this page

Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Black Cohosh — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/black-cohosh

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.