Related Compounds
Compounds connected by the same goals, effects, or research topics.
Herb Profile
Black Cohosh Actaea Racemosa
Actaea racemosa
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is most studied for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, with proposed serotonergic and estrogen receptor modulating activity rather than classical hormonal action.
Last reviewed: •3 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·B Moderate
Use extra caution — Generally well tolerated; rare suspected hepatotoxicity reports; clinical trials have not consistently shown liver injury Details
- Evidence
- Moderate Evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- High caution
- Best for
- Anti Inflammatory, Hormonal, Inflammatory signaling
- Avoid / review if
- Liver Disease, Pregnancy, Hepatotoxic Drugs (Caution)
At a glance
From this profile's structured data- Evidence
- Grade B
- Safety
- Generally well tolerated; rare suspected hepatotoxicity reports; clinical trials have not consistently shown liver injury
- Profile context
- anti-inflammatory, hormonal
Next stepsWhere to go next — guides & comparisons
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Safety
Safety & Cautions
Generally well tolerated; rare suspected hepatotoxicity reports; clinical trials have not consistently shown liver injury
High caution
Caution level: High. Multiple caution categories apply, or the record uses avoid/contraindication language.
- Liver-SensitiveLiver-related caution language appears in the profile.
- Hormonal Activity ContextHormone-adjacent wording is present and should be interpreted carefully.
Detailed safety fields
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraindications
- Liver Disease
- Pregnancy
- Hepatotoxic Drugs (Caution)
Safety classifications
- Liver-Sensitive: Liver-related caution language appears in the profile.
- Hormonal Activity Context: Hormone-adjacent wording is present and should be interpreted carefully.
Full safety note
- Generally well tolerated; rare suspected hepatotoxicity reports; clinical trials have not consistently shown liver injury
Safety labels
- Liver-Sensitive
- Hormonal Activity Context
Evidence
Evidence Summary
Evidence lens
Useful signal, but study design, dose, and population still matter.
ModerateModerate Evidence
Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · NF KB Modulation
Research maturity: Established research — Long Term Human Evidence May Be Limited.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Generally well tolerated; rare suspected hepatotoxicity reports; clinical trials have not consistently shown liver injury
This profile cites 3 human studies.
Study design details
Evidence Grade
Grade B: Moderate Evidence
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Meta-analysis
- Risk of Bias
- Low
- Consistency
- Not assessed
Strongest recorded design is a meta-analysis, drawn from 1 recorded study, 1 in people.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (3)1 human evidence source · 0 human trials · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
Filter by study class
Showing 3 of 3 studies.
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 3 structured sources, including 1 human evidence source; 0 are human trials.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms Meherishi S et al. · Menopause · 2023 Background | Meta-analysis Statistically combines results from multiple eligible studies; confidence still depends on the quality, consistency, and directness of those studies. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Black Cohosh: Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2020 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | Source → |
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury · 2024 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | Source → |
Dosing & Timing
- Dose guidance
- Standardized extract (e.g., 2.5% triterpene glycosides): 20 80 mg/day; variability across products
How Black Cohosh Actaea Racemosa works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Black Cohosh Actaea Racemosa Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & biological pathways (preclinical)
- Inflammatory Signaling Modulation
- Hormonal Signaling Context
- NF KB Modulation
Active Compounds
Key constituents studied in Black Cohosh Actaea Racemosa, with full pharmacology and safety profiles.
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Compare & Sourcing
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Sourcing options
Black Cohosh product picks
Recommendation status
Product recommendations are not shown for this profile because the current site safety and monetization policy does not permit them.
Product form & quality guidelines
When sourcing Black Cohosh Actaea Racemosa, verify the label for:
- Standardized extract: Confirm active content percentages on the supplement facts panel (e.g. standardized to specific marker compounds) rather than simple raw herb weights.
- Third-party testing: Look for independent purity labels (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or Eurofins) to ensure the product is free from heavy metals, solvents, and contaminants.
- Form bioavailability: Ensure the form matches evidence-supported configurations (e.g. standardized active extracts like bacosides, withanolides, or curcuminoids) for optimal onset and digestion tolerance.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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