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Ingredient

Black Cohosh Extract

A specialized botanical extract that helps manage menopausal vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes, and nocturnal temperature fluctuations.

What it is

Black Cohosh Extract is harvested from the rhizomes and roots of Actaea racemosa (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa), a perennial plant native to eastern North America. In dietary supplements, standard extracts are standardized to 2.5% triterpene glycosides (including 27-deoxyactein and actein). When combined with Velobiotics microencapsulated probiotic strains, black cohosh delivers targeted nutritional support during perimenopause and menopause, supporting neurochemical thermoregulation without direct systemic hormonal elevation.

Also known as: Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa

Key benefits

  • Reduces the frequency and intensity of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Supports neurochemical balance and mood stability during hormonal transitions.
  • Promotes comfortable sleep patterns by alleviating nocturnal thermoregulatory disruptions.
  • Provides non-hormonal, selective estrogen receptor modulatory support for menopausal wellbeing.

Amplified by probiotics

Black Cohosh Extract contains cycloartane triterpene glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (fukinolic and ferulic acids) that require microbial biotransformation for optimal systemic activity. Intestinal bacteria, enriched by live probiotic strains, hydrolyse these glycosidic bonds to yield aglycones with enhanced affinity for central serotonin (5-HT) receptors and estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta). Additionally, probiotics modulate colonic pH and maintain mucosal barrier integrity, ensuring efficient uptake of active metabolites. By suppressing intestinal inflammatory cytokines, live probiotics support neuroendocrine signaling pathways between the gut and hypothalamus, amplifying black cohosh's thermoregulatory relief.

Typical dose

40–80 mg/day (standardized extract)

The evidence

Evidence: moderate

Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials confirm that standardized isopropanolic black cohosh extract significantly alleviates climacteric complaints, particularly hot flashes and neurovegetative symptoms in menopausal women. Meta-analyses and Cochrane systematic reviews confirm clinical utility while emphasizing high tolerability across diverse female cohorts. (Osmers 2005, Obstet Gynecol) (Leach 2012, Cochrane Database Syst Rev) (Wuttke 2003, Maturitas)

  1. Osmers R, et al. Efficacy and safety of isopropanolic black cohosh extract for climacteric symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105(5 Pt 1):1074-1083. PubMed ↗
  2. Leach MJ, et al. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(9):CD007244. PubMed ↗
  3. Wuttke W, et al. The Cimicifuga preparation BNO 1055 vs. conjugated estrogens in a double-blind placebo-controlled study: effects on menopause symptoms and bone markers. Maturitas. 2003;44 Suppl 1:S67-77. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Generally well tolerated in clinical trials up to 6 months; monitor liver function if pre-existing hepatic conditions exist. Discontinue use if signs of liver dysfunction develop; contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.