When I see "mixed results" and "good safety record" coming from very conservative organizations like this, followed by a multi-million dollar study being funded right now, I'm inclined to go out and try it. I think I wouldn't try it for more that six months, and I would be sure to inform my nurse practitioner, since I am on a statin drug (to lower my cholesterol) and I know that affects the liver too. She draws blood for a "liver panel screening" every six months anyway because of the statin (Lipitor), so if something turns up wacky, I'll know soon enough. Stay tuned for more on this important study, and let the rest of us know if black cohosh works for you.
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A double-blind study is one in which neither the subjects nor the researchers knows who belongs to the group being given the herb and who is being given the placebo, essentially a sugar pill. The researchers only find out after the study is over. That way they can't influence the subjects in any way, even with subtle cues like body language. Double-blind studies are the gold standard in scientific research.
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