A recent German clinical study demonstrated that an extract of black cohosh decreases LH secretions in menopausal women but produces no hormonal changes. The studies, therefore, support the usefulness of black cohosh for symptomatic relief from hot flashes, but not as a substitute for hormone replacement therapy.
The extract of this plant is sold in great quantities in the US and Europe under the trade name Remifemin. Results of tests comparing Remifemin to combination treatment with estrogens and diazepam have shown treatment with Remifemin to be superior as measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index.
Other tests such as the Self-evaluation For Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Inventory, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale–all recognized and trusted measures of clinical efficacy–have been used in studies evaluating the performance of Black Cohosh extract.
