The verdict? Women who took black cohosh showed nearly four times as many markers of bone growth at the end of the 12-week study as those in the other two groups. Future studies will examine the effects of long-term use. Though these results are promising, make sure you don’t overdo it (in the study, the women took the equivalent of 20 mg twice daily). British researchers have noted a rare link to liver injury in some takers. And buy wisely: Not all black cohosh supplements will offer equal benefits. A recent Columbia University analysis of 11 brands found that four contained a related Asian species of the herb that might not be as effective. To find the real McCoy, read Consumer Lab’s report on the best cohosh supplements. More from Prevention: Get Break-Proof Bones For Life
