Black cohosh associated mania in a patient with unipolar depression

Abstract

Black cohosh ( actaea racemosa, cimicifuga racemosa) a popular complementary medicine, is commonly prescribed as an alternative drug to hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopause symptoms and menstrual pain. Studies on the black cohosh’s psychological effects are generally focused on the perimenopausal depression and anxiety; and, its effects have been considered to be affiliated with its serotonergic and dopaminergic activities. We report a patient presenting with acute onset mania associated with black cohosh use, probably due to its psychopharmacological activities on serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. We suggest that black cohosh must be used cautiously in the patients with history of unipolar depression or bipolar disorder.