October 2, 2006 – A US court recently dismissed a lawsuit against two manufacturers of black cohosh supplements (actea racemosa Where cimifuga racemosa)1. The plaintiffs, a lady who had a liver transplant and her husband, alleged that taking these supplements had caused her severe liver damage.
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The American judge, however, noted significant contradictions between the testimony of the complainant and the expert report.2 published about this case in a scientific journal. The complainant revealed to the court that she consumed wine, had frequently used an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) and was taking a drug (Valtrex®), one of the recognized side effects of which was possible damage to the liver. .
This information went completely against what had been stated in the expert report. Therefore, the plaintiffs’ complaint could not be received in court, the Nebraska judge found. The two manufacturers targeted by this lawsuit are Pharmavite and Nutraceutical Corp (Solaray).
A warning from Health Canada
This decision by an American court is certainly of interest to scientists and herbalists. This lady’s case was one of only two reported cases worldwide where the causal link between black cohosh and liver damage was considered “probable”.
Indeed, this medicinal plant has been the subject of special attention since the revelation of potential adverse effects on the liver. Health Canada even issued a warning3 last August. Despite the new information revealed in this American case, the Ministry is not considering, at least for the moment, to revise the content of its opinion.
Based on European and Australian advice, Health Canada recommends that people taking black cohosh to consult a healthcare practitioner if they are concerned. “Although the reported cases are rare and that the link between black cohosh and liver damage is not obvious, Health Canada prefers to opt for caution,” read its press release.
In February and July 2006, Australia and Great Britain respectively decreed that black cohosh supplements should display a warning about potential liver toxicity. A reaction considered exaggerated by some experts because it is based on very little scientific evidence.
Black cohosh: underestimation
Asked about this, pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne considers the consumption of this medicinal plant to be quite safe. “What should rather be examined is a possible contamination of the final product or the use of another species of black cohosh whose properties could vary from those of the North American species”, explains this specialist in natural health products.
The Canadian Natural Health Products Directorate of the Federal Department of Health is currently reviewing the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh. So far, Health Canada has reported three cases of liver damage in Canada and one death in the United States linked to the intake of this plant.
Marie france Coutu – Passeport-Santé.net
According to Nutraingredients.com.
1 The Nebraska District Judicial Court decision is available at: www.ahpa.org [consulté le 29 septembre 2006].
2. Levitsky J, Alli TA, et al. Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black cohosh, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, March 2005 50 (3): 538-539
3. Health Canada’s advice is available at this address: www.hc-sc.gc.ca [consulté le 29 septembre 2006].
