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Health Canada Advisory and OHA Response
Black Cohosh and possible liver toxicity, by John Redden
On August 18, 2006 Health Canada joined many government agencies around the world by posting an advisory on the use of pre-made Black Cohosh products. Actaea racemosa synonym for Cimicifuga racemosa has come under scrutiny after three reports of liver toxicity following the use of products using Actaea racemosa as a main ingredient. Robin Marles PhD, an ethnobotanist who is a director in the Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada has commented in Herbalgram on the HC report at this address:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2006/2006_72_e.html
There are three cases of hepatotoxicity reported associated with Black Cohosh usage which had serious confounding factors. This means that it is scientifically impossible to conclude a causal relationship because there could be many causes besides Actaea racemosa. Some patients were taking multiple prescription drugs and one took alcohol with prescription drugs. These alone could cause liver problems. Quality and identity of the Actaea racemosa products are uncertain. When a NHP is produced as a standardized extract it may no longer resemble the crude herb which has a historical usage profile. The standardized chemicals may act more drug-like increasing the potential for herb-drug interaction. There are two other species that are used as substitutes, Actaea dahurica and Actaea yunnanensis. These substitutes come from China as a cheaper alternative for mass producers. Organically grown Black Cohosh is limited in supply and the use of cheap substitutes is driving the government to regulate the industry regarding quality and identity.
Professional clinical therapists, who tend to use whole plant tinctures and dry herbs in teas and capsules never really see these kinds of problems. Within the professional community there is no fear about liver toxicity with the use of Black Cohosh. Our only fear is that the unscrupulous NHP producers will bollocks up the system with their dubious products. Traditional medical herbalists that are registered with a professional association are trustworthy and safe practitioners of natural medicine and are the most qualified to select proper herbal products and their forms and dosages. We are not vestiges of some past glory. We are a living tradition in an uncertain world. We are still waiting to see HC finally take a stand on the corruption that is growing within the orthodox medical system as big pharma infiltrates every level subjugating truth for profits and demonstrating egregious conflicts of interest. Practitioners of natural medicine need hold on only a while longer for the medical system to collapse under the burden of impossible costs for ineffective treatments. Gather and prepare your medicines for we are dearly needed.
The material contained on this web site is intended for educational purposes only and no responsibility is assumed for misadventure resulting from the misuse of botanical preparations. If you have a health problem, you should consult a qualified medical doctor for diagnosis. Herbal treatment should be undertaken only with the advice of a qualified herbal practitioner. Self medication may be dangerous or ineffective.
General membership in the Ontario Herbalists Association is open to any herbal enthusiast, and does not imply any fitness to practise herbal medicine. The OHA only supports those members who have met or exceeded the requirements for professional membership, who have been approved, and whose membership is in good standing.
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