Canada Warns About Black Cohosh-Liver Link

OTTAWA, OntarioFollowing similar advisories from European officials, Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) issued a warning to its citizens on concerns black cohosh might contribute to liver damage. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa) has been linked to liver damage in several cases, including three in Canada and one fatal case in the United States. In issuing the advisory, the agency conceded reports of liver damage are rare, and the link between black cohosh and liver toxicity is unclear, but it is taking a precautionary approach and is currently reviewing the safety and effectiveness of the herb. Health Canada is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when taking this herb, which they should do only under the care of a physician, and to cease using any black cohosh products upon experiencing unusual fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, or if they develop symptoms suggestive of liver injury such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine or abdominal pain. The agency further advised any adverse reaction following black cohosh supplementation should be reported to the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada.