Standardized Black Cohosh Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Standardized Black Cohosh 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
Standardized Black Cohosh is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories 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. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
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 Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories
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 extract in a standardized form. The capsule itself is made from cellulose and vegetable stearate, which are inert binders and fillers with no active role.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Black cohosh is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms — that's the main use with meaningful research backing it. For acne, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and breast cancer-related hot flashes, we don't yet have reliable evidence to say whether it works.
If you're considering it for menopausal hot flashes or night sweats, that's the claim with the best support, but talk with your doctor about whether it's right for you.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Black cohosh is generally well tolerated at typical doses in the short term, though it does come with some caution flags. Common side effects include 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 evidence on both is mixed. The safety data advises against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there simply isn't enough information to know it's safe, and there are theoretical concerns about effects on the uterus.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take serotonergic drugs like SSRIs or SNRIs (duloxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and others) — there's a risk of serotonin syndrome. Also double-check if you're on atorvastatin or other hepatotoxic drugs, estrogen therapy, cisplatin, or any medications metabolized by CYP2D6.
Because the interactions span so many drug types, running your full medication list through the checker on this page is your best move.
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 be worth considering if you're dealing with menopausal symptoms and looking for an herbal option, but it interacts with a lot of medications — especially antidepressants and other serotonergic drugs — and carries some liver safety concerns that warrant a conversation with your doctor. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you're on any prescription medications or have liver issues.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, the safety data advises against using it.
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 Feb 26, 2014.
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 Standardized Black Cohosh, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 310539016985 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 26, 2014 |
| DSLD ID | 30816 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cohosh | 40 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Formulation
This product contains NO yeast, wheat, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.
Precautions
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.
WARNING: Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble.
Storage
For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General
Formula #84078
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories 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 Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Black Cohosh
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 monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories has documented interactions with a substantial number of medications.
The most serious concern is with serotonergic drugs (antidepressants and related medications) — black cohosh may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous buildup of serotonin in your system.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Black cohosh can also interact with several other drug types. It may inhibit CYP2D6, an enzyme that breaks down many medications, which could raise their levels in your body.
It theoretically increases the risk of liver damage when combined with hepatotoxic drugs, and there's a documented case of elevated liver enzymes in someone taking it with atorvastatin (a cholesterol medication). It may reduce how well cisplatin (a cancer drug) works, alter the effects of estrogen therapy, and modestly inhibit OATP2B1 transporters, potentially reducing how well certain drugs are absorbed.
Because black cohosh interacts with a wide range of medications, you'll want to run your exact prescriptions through the interaction checker below before starting it. Altogether, these interactions span 653 individual medications.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Standardized 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Standardized Black Cohosh interact with 652 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Standardized Black Cohosh interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Cohosh
Amoxicillin, Clavulanate PotassiumAugmentin, Augmentin '125/31 SF', Augmentin '250/62 SF', Augmentin XR, Augmentin-Duo 400/57, Clavulin
How Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interactionAmoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
How Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interactionAmphetamineAdensys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER, Dyanavel XR, Mydayis
How Amphetamine interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Amphetamine interactionAmphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine SulfateAdderall, Adderall XR
How Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interactionAmphetamine SulfateBenzedrine, Evekeo ODT
How Amphetamine Sulfate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Amphetamine Sulfate interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAnidulafunginEraxis
How Anidulafungin interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Anidulafungin interactionAprocitentanTryvio
How Aprocitentan interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Aprocitentan interactionAripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite
How Aripiprazole interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aripiprazole interactionAripiprazole LauroxilAristada, Aristada Initio Kit
How Aripiprazole Lauroxil interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic 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 + Aripiprazole Lauroxil interactionAsparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywnRylaze
How Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionAspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine PhosphateSoma Compound w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold
How Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, Codeine PhosphateAspirin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, MethocarbamolRobaxisal C
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, PhenobarbitalPhenaphen
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interactionAspirin, HydrocodoneAlor 5 500, Lortab ASA
How Aspirin, Hydrocodone interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, OxycodonePercodan
How Aspirin, Oxycodone interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Aspirin, Oxycodone interactionAtomoxetineStrattera
How Atomoxetine interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome 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 + Atomoxetine interactionAtorvastatinAtorvaliq
How Atorvastatin interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Organic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp) +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Atorvastatin interactionAtorvastatin CalciumLipitor
How Atorvastatin Calcium interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshOrganic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp), Atorvastatin (lipitor) +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Black cohosh may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP2B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP2B1 substrates.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Atorvastatin Calcium interactionAtropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, PhenylAtrosept
How Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl interactionAtropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl SalicylateUrinary Antiseptic 2, Urised
How Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl Salicylate interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Atropine, Benzoic Acid, Hyoscyamine, Methenamine, Methylene Blue, Phenyl Salicylate interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Standardized Black Cohosh — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Standardized 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.
Black Cohosh
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 Standardized Black Cohosh, from the product label.
Douglas Laboratories
See all Douglas Laboratories products- Name
- Douglas Laboratories
- Street Address
- 600 Boyce Road
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15205
- Phone Number
- 1.800.245.4440
- Web Address
- www.douglaslabs.com
Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions
Does Standardized Black Cohosh by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is black cohosh safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Does black cohosh actually work for hot flashes?
Can black cohosh damage my liver?
I take an antidepressant — is black cohosh safe for me?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Standardized Black Cohosh 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 Standardized Black Cohosh’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Standardized 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.
- 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
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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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