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Dietary supplement

Black Cohosh Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Oregon's Wild Harvest

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Black Cohosh is a dietary supplement by Oregon's Wild Harvest with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inducing labor or starting menstruation, menstrual cramps and irregular periods, symptoms of menopause.Based on those ingredients, 259 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Black Cohosh. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: organic black cohosh, a plant extract traditionally used for menopausal symptoms. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—organic brown rice flour and pullulan (a plant-based capsule material)—and nothing else.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Blue Cohosh product and its label doesn't state a use — see Blue Cohosh's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

Our data holds no effectiveness ratings for black cohosh in this product. We cannot tell you from the information we have whether it works for any particular health goal.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue Cohosh

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Black cohosh carries serious safety cautions. It contains compounds that affect the heart and has been linked to significant adverse events including chest pain, stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The data also flags concern about its effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Do not use in pregnancy—blue cohosh (the linked monograph) may trigger uterine contractions and has been associated with serious harm to newborns, including heart attacks, heart failure, and shock.

Avoid while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before considering this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue Cohosh

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Blue Cohosh.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 259 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, double-check these medication types with your doctor or pharmacist: blood pressure drugs (like captopril, enalapril, losartan, and valsartan), diabetes medications (like insulin, glimepiride, glyburide, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and chlorpropamide), and any nicotine products. All carry moderate interaction potential.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product carries moderate interactions with blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, and nicotine products, plus serious safety concerns about heart effects and pregnancy harm. If you take any medication for high blood pressure or blood sugar, or use nicotine, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it entirely.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Black Cohosh, straight from the product label.

Brand Oregon's Wild Harvest
Barcode (UPC) 706195004303
Net contents 90 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307236
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic, Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Menopause, Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
706195004303
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Black Cohosh300 mg--

Other ingredients: organic Brown Rice Flour, Pullulan, Nothing else

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Organic to our roots As certified organic farmers since 1994, our regenerative practices heal the land and water and sequester carbon from the atmosphere, while ensuring that pure, potent herbal medicine is available today and for future generations. Peace.

Formulation

Free from: Gluten, dairy and soy allergens.

GF (Gluten free)

Verified Non-GMO Product verified Non-GMO by SGS.

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

Precautions

Caution: Do not take if using contraceptives or hormone replacement preparations (eg. estrogen, progesterone). If taking medication consult with a healthcare professional before use. Do not take if pregnant or nursing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur.

Do not exceed recommended dose.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Oregon's Wild Harvest Herbal Supplement Family farm since 1994

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formula

Support for menopausal symptoms

Made with organic herb A natural source of triterpene glycosides

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As an herbal supplement, take one capsule one to two times daily with food or as directed by your healthcare professional. Check with your healthcare professional if taking this product continuously for longer than six months. Do not exceed recommended dose.

Storage

Capsules are filled by weight, not by volume.

Seals/Symbols

Oregon Tilth Certified Organics (OTCO)

Verified Non-GMO

See for yourself

Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Black Cohosh

Interacts with
259 drugs
300 mg per serving

Blue cohosh is a traditional herb historically used by Native Americans and midwives to bring on labor or menstruation, but it carries serious safety...

Organic Black Cohosh monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Flour, Pullulan, Nothing else. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Black Cohosh?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
259Drugs
259 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Black Cohosh with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Black Cohosh3 drug types · 259 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

There is some concern that blue cohosh might increase blood glucose levels. Theoretically, it might decrease the effectiveness of medicines used for diabetes. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Constituents in blue cohosh might increase blood pressure by causing coronary vasoconstriction. Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the effectiveness of drugs used for angina and high blood pressure; use with caution. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Blue cohosh can increase the effects of nicotine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Black Cohosh, from the product label.

Oregon's Wild Harvest

See all Oregon's Wild Harvest products
Name
Oregon's Wild Harvest
City
Redmond
State
OR
ZipCode
97756
Phone Number
800-316-6869
Web Address
oregonswildharvest.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest: Common Questions

Does Black Cohosh by Oregon's Wild Harvest interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Black Cohosh has a known interaction with 259 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Black Cohosh contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No. The data marks blue cohosh (the monograph linked to this product) as likely unsafe in pregnancy because it may trigger uterine contractions and has been linked to serious harm to newborns, including heart attacks and heart failure. Do not use if you're pregnant or planning pregnancy—talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
No. There isn't enough safety information available, so the data advises avoiding it while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're nursing.
What side effects might I experience?
Blue cohosh can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irritation of mouth and throat tissue. More seriously, it may cause chest pain, high blood pressure, and elevated heart rate. Because it can affect the heart, use with caution and stop if you develop chest pain or other concerning symptoms.
Why does the product say 'Black Cohosh' but the interactions mention blue cohosh?
Our data links the black cohosh ingredient in this product to a blue cohosh monograph, so the interaction and safety information comes from that source. They're different plants with different properties, but our data set uses that connection for this ingredient.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
The data flags a moderate interaction—blue cohosh may raise blood pressure and reduce how well blood pressure drugs work. Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you're on drugs like captopril, enalapril, losartan, or valsartan.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Black Cohosh is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Black Cohosh label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Black Cohosh's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blue Cohosh 16 references
  1. Jones TK, Lawson BM. Profound neonatal congestive heart failure caused by maternal consumption of blue cohosh herbal medication. J Pediatr 1998;132:550-2. PubMed
  2. McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16. PubMed
  3. Wright IM. Neonatal effects of maternal consumption of blue cohosh. J Pediatr 1999;134:384-5. DOI
  4. Edmunds J. Blue cohosh and newborn myocardial infarction? Midwifery Today Int Midwife 1999;52:34-5.
  5. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  6. Irikura B, Kennelly E. American Health Consultants. Blue Cohosh: a word of caution. 1999. Available at: http://www.ahcmedia.com/articles/50424-blue-cohosh-a-word-of-caution.
  7. Gunn TR, Wright IM. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1996;109:410-1.
  8. Baillie N, Rasmussen P. Black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1997;110:20-1.
  9. Finkel RS, Zarlengo KM. Blue cohosh and perinatal stroke. N Engl J Med 2004;351:302-3. PubMed
  10. Kennelly, E. J., Flynn, T. J., Mazzola, E. P., Roach, J. A., McCloud, T. G., Danford, D. E., and Betz, J. M. Detecting potential teratogenic alkaloids from blue cohosh rhizomes using an in vitro rat embryo culture. J.Nat.Prod. 1999;62(10):1385-1389. PubMed
  11. Rao, R. B. and Hoffman, R. S. Nicotinic toxicity from tincture of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) used as an abortifacient. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2002;44(4):221-222.
  12. Gunn, T. R. and Wright, I. M. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N.Z Med J 10-25-1996;109(1032):410-411.
  13. Scott, C. C. and Chen, K. K. The pharmacological action of N-methylcytisine. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapuetics 1943;79:334-339. DOI
  14. Low, D. T. Blue cohosh and neonatal myocardial toxicity. Journal of the American Herbalists Guild 2001;2(2):9-10.
  15. Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, et al. Safety and efficacy of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;15(1):e66-73.
  16. Sirtori CR, Triolo M, Bosisio R, et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of lupin protein and pea protein/fibre combinations in moderately hypercholesterolaemic individuals. Br J Nutr 2012;107:1176-83. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue Cohosh monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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