Black Cohosh Root Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Bluebonnet
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Black Cohosh Root Extract against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Black Cohosh Root Extract is a dietary supplement by Bluebonnet with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hot flashes and night sweats, other menopause symptoms, mood changes during menopause.Based on those ingredients, 652 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Cohosh Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Black Cohosh Root Extract. Black cohosh is a plant native to North America, and people have traditionally used it to help manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
The capsule itself and the other listed ingredients — vegetable cellulose, silicon dioxide, and vegetable magnesium stearate — are inactive and serve as the capsule shell and flow agents.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Black cohosh is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms based on the evidence we hold. For other uses listed — acne, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and breast cancer-related hot flashes — there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to know whether it works.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Black cohosh is generally well tolerated when used at typical doses short-term. The most common side effects are mild: breast tenderness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, irritability, rash, and tiredness.
Rare but serious concerns include liver damage and endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining), though the data on these are conflicting. There's also one case report of seizures in a woman who used black cohosh along with other supplements.
Black cohosh is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and possibly unsafe while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data, and it may affect the uterus. One case involved an infant whose mother took black cohosh (and blue cohosh) to induce labor at 42 weeks and the infant experienced severe complications, though the blue cohosh may have played a role.
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before taking this.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with us before taking this if you use antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs (risk of serotonin syndrome), blood thinners or cholesterol drugs like atorvastatin, cancer medications like cisplatin, estrogen therapy, or any drug broken down by your liver or that can damage it. No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients we checked.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Black cohosh may help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. If you take medications for depression, anxiety, cholesterol, blood pressure, cancer, or estrogen replacement — or any drug that affects your liver — check your exact medications with us first.
Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you have liver concerns or take multiple medications.
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 Dec 13, 2022.
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
General information
Key facts about Black Cohosh Root Extract, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Bluebonnet |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 743715013162 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 13, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 279497 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 Root Extract by Bluebonnet, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cohosh Root Extract | 250 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Capsule, Vegetable Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formula
Bluebonnet's Black Cohosh Root Extract Vegetable Capsules are formulated with a full spectrum 4:1 extract of black cohosh root to help support women's health.
Bluebonnet's KOF-K Certification #K-0000700
K Parve (Kosher)
Formulation
Free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Also free of gluten, barley, rice, sodium and sugar.
Sustainably Harvested.
Made with NON GMO ingredients
Gluten free
Vegan
Precautions
Caution: For adults only.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Seals/Symbols
K Parve (Kosher)
Made with non GMO ingredients
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Storage
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet
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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Black Cohosh Root Extract
Interacts with652 drugs
Black cohosh is a North American plant most often used to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the research is mixed and far from settled. It...
Black Cohosh Root Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Vegetable Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Bluebonnet's Black Cohosh Root Extract does interact with several medication types, and the most serious concerns involve drugs metabolized by your liver.
Black cohosh may inhibit CYP2D6, an enzyme that breaks down many medications — though the evidence is mixed, this could raise drug levels and cause problems. It also carries a moderate concern when combined with drugs that can damage the liver (hepatotoxic drugs), since black cohosh itself has been linked to rare liver issues in some cases.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Other moderate-severity interactions to know about: blood pressure or cholesterol medications like atorvastatin (where one case showed liver enzyme spikes after starting black cohosh), cancer drugs like cisplatin (which animal research suggests black cohosh might weaken), estrogen therapy (where black cohosh's own estrogen-like effects could enhance or interfere with your dose), and antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs (where adding black cohosh raised the risk of serotonin syndrome in at least one documented case). There's also a minor interaction with a group of transporter proteins (OATP substrates) that move drugs into your body — black cohosh may reduce how much of these medications you absorb.
We hold no data on inactive ingredients. Altogether, these interactions span 636 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact drugs before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Black Cohosh Root Extract?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Black Cohosh Root Extract interact with 652 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Black Cohosh Root Extract interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Cohosh Root Extract
Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
How Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenylpropanolamineTetra Caps
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineSinubid
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenyltoloxaminePercogesic, Relagesic
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, SalicylamideLobac
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetaminophen, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Sinus, Dristan N.D., Non-Aspirin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex-Max, Sinutab +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, TriprolidineActifed Plus ES
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Acetohexamide interactionAdagrasibKrazati
How Adagrasib interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Adagrasib interactionAerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, GlycopyrrolateBreztri
How Aerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, Glycopyrrolate interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Aerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, Glycopyrrolate interactionAldesleukinProleukin
How Aldesleukin interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Aldesleukin interactionAlectinib HydrochlorideAlecensa
How Alectinib Hydrochloride interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Alectinib Hydrochloride interactionAllopurinolCaplenal, Cosuric, Rimapurinol, Zyloprim, Zyloric
How Allopurinol interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Allopurinol interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Almotriptan interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlosetronLotronex
How Alosetron interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Alosetron interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
How Ambrisentan interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Ambrisentan interactionAminosalicylic AcidPaser
How Aminosalicylic Acid interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Aminosalicylic Acid interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amiodarone interactionAmitriptylineElavil
How Amitriptyline interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amitriptyline interactionAmitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS
How Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interactionAmitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil
How Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interactionAmoxapineAsendin
How Amoxapine interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amoxapine interactionAmoxicillinAmix, Amoram, Amoxident, Amoxil Capsules, Amoxil Injection, Galenamox +3 more
How Amoxicillin interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amoxicillin interactionAmoxicillin VeterinaryBiomox
How Amoxicillin Veterinary interacts with Black Cohosh Root Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Cohosh Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh Root Extract + Amoxicillin Veterinary interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Black Cohosh Root Extract 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.
Black Cohosh Root Extract
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Taking black cohosh with atorvastatin might increase the risk for elevated liver function tests.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) developed significantly elevated liver function enzymes after starting black cohosh 100 mg four times daily. Liver enzymes returned to normal when black cohosh was discontinued. It is unclear whether the elevated liver enzymes were due to black cohosh itself or an interaction between atorvastatin and black cohosh.
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)
Theoretically, black cohosh may reduce the clinical effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that black cohosh might decrease the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cells.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Some clinical research suggests that black cohosh might modestly inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, contradictory clinical research shows a specific black cohosh product (Remifemin, Enzymatic Therapy) 40 mg twice daily does not significantly inhibit metabolism of a CYP2D6 substrate in healthy study volunteers. Until more is known, use black cohosh cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Estrogens
Theoretically, black cohosh may alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that black cohosh has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
There is concern that black cohosh might be linked to cases of liver failure and autoimmune hepatitis.
Serotonergic Drugs
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Black cohosh might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Black cohosh acts as an agonist at several serotonin receptor subtypes and might interact with other serotonergic medications. In one case, a 55-year-old female who had been on stable treatment with sertraline 50 mg and duloxetine 60 mg daily developed serotonin syndrome after taking black cohosh extract 40 mg daily for 3 days.
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)
Black cohosh may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP2B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP2B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that black cohosh modestly inhibits OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Black Cohosh Root Extract, from the product label.
Bluebonnet
- Name
- Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation
- Street Address
- 12915 Dairy Ashford
- City
- Sugar Land
- State
- TX
- ZipCode
- 77478
- Web Address
- www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet: Common Questions
Does Black Cohosh Root Extract by Bluebonnet interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does black cohosh really help with hot flashes?
What are the most common side effects?
Can I take black cohosh if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What's the liver concern I keep reading about?
Can I take black cohosh with my antidepressant?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Black Cohosh Root Extract is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Black Cohosh Root Extract’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Black Cohosh Root Extract'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 68 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.
Black Cohosh 68 references
- 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
- Whiting PW, Clouston A, Kerlin P. Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust 2002;177:440-3. PubMed
- Pepping J. Black cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1400-2. PubMed
- Liske E. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders. Adv Ther 1998;15:45-53.
- Kruse SO, Lohning A, Pauli GF, et al. Fukiic and piscidic acid esters from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa and the in vitro estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid. Planta Med 1999;65:763-4.
- Jacobson JS, Troxel AB, Evans J, et al. Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:2739-45. PubMed
- Gunn TR, Wright IM. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1996;109:410-1.
- Baillie N, Rasmussen P. Black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1997;110:20-1.
- Lontos S, Jones RM, Angus PW, Gow PJ. Acute liver failure associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh. Med J Aust 2003;179:390-1.. DOI
- Wuttke W, Seidlova-Wuttke D, Gorkow C. 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:S67-77. PubMed
- Huntley A, Ernst E. A systematic review of the safety of black cohosh. Menopause 2003;10:58-64.. DOI
- Cohen SM, O'Connor AM, Hart J, et al. Autoimmune hepatitis associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study. Menopause 2004;11:575-7. PubMed
- Vitetta L, Thomsen M, Sali A. Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust 2003;178:411-2.. PubMed
- Thomsen M, Vitetta L, Schmidt M, Sali A. Acute liver failure associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh. Med J Aust 2004;180:598-600.. DOI
- Cohen B, Schardt D. Center for Science in the Public Interest. Letter to Food and Drug Administration. Commissioner Mark McClellan, MD, PhD. March 4, 2004.
- Seidlova-Wuttke D, Hesse O, Jarry H, et al. Evidence for selective estrogen receptor modulator activity in a black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) extract: comparison with estradiol-17beta. Eur J Endocrinol 2003;149:351-62. PubMed
- Rockwell S, Liu Y, Higgins SA. Alteration of the effects of cancer therapy agents on breast cancer cells by the herbal medicine black cohosh. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005;90:233-9. PubMed
- Levitsky J, Alli TA, Wisecarver J, Sorrell MF. Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black cohosh. Dig Dis Sci 2005;50:538-9. PubMed
- Cheong JL, Bucknall R. Retinal vein thrombosis associated with a herbal phytoestrogen preparation in a susceptible patient. Postgrad Med J 2005;81:266-7.. PubMed
- Nappi RE, Malavasi B, Brundu B, Facchinetti F. Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa on climacteric complaints: a randomized study versus low-dose transdermal estradiol. Gynecol Endocrinol 2005;20:30-5.
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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.
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