Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution
Black Cohosh Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- GI upset — stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea (most common)
- Headache and dizziness (occasional)
- Musculoskeletal complaints — joint or muscle pain reported in some trials
- Rare hepatotoxicity — isolated case reports of liver injury, though causality is debated; monitor liver function if using long-term
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Hepatotoxic medications — potential additive liver stress; avoid combining with known hepatotoxic drugs
- Hormone replacement therapy — effects may overlap; consult physician before combining
- Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — while black cohosh appears non-estrogenic, discuss with oncologist before use in breast cancer patients
- Statins — both may affect liver function; monitor liver enzymes
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 40mg standardized extract daily; do not exceed 6 months of continuous use without medical review