The Medical Benefits of the Black Cohosh Root

Other Common Names: Actee A Grappes, American Baneberry, Amerikansk Slangerod, Black Snakeroot, Cimicaire, Rattle Root, Sauco, Slangenwortel, Tahta Bitiotu, Wanzenkraut, Cimicifuga racemosa

Range: Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Ontario, south to Georgia and Tennessee, Britain; Canada; Denmark; France; Germany; Netherlands; Spain; Turkey

Habitat: Moist or dry shady rich woods

Cimicifuga racemosa contains triterpene glycosides, resin, salycilates, isoferulic acid, sterols, and alkaloids. This plant was used by Native Americans for a myriad of problems, including headache (note the presense of salycilates... the forerunner of asprin). It is still used in western medicine for tinnitus (ringing of the ears), and by herbalists to increase the intensity of uterine contractions during childbirth. However, administration should not be a self-application, but should be monitored by a physician, or M.D. Even moderate doses can affect the nervous system, induce vomiting, and lower the pulse.

Black cohosh is a traditional remedy of the North American Indians where it was used mainly to treat women's problems, especially painful periods and problems associated with the menopause. A popular and widely used herbal remedy, it is effective in the treatment of a range of diseases.

The root is alterative, antidote, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypnotic, sedative, tonic and vasodilator. It is harvested in the autumn as the leaves die down, then cut into pieces and dried. The root is toxic in overdose, it should be used with caution and be completely avoided by pregnant women!

The medically active ingredients are not soluble in water so a tincture of the root is normally used. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, as a sedative and an emmenagogue. It is traditionally important in the treatment of women's complaints and for use in childbirth. Research has shown that the root has oestrogenic activity and is thought to reduce levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. It maybe used beneficially in cases of painful or delayed menstruation. Ovarian cramps or cramping pain in the womb will be relieved by Black Cohosh.

Women in the United States are increasingly turning to botanical medicines to treat conditions throughout their life cycles. Many herbs traditionally used for women's health conditions have been found to contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens and their metabolites can bind estrogen receptors and can have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. Many women are attracted to the idea of using phytomedicine as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. It is unclear, however, whether these herbs are safe for women at risk for breast cancer or its recurrence.

The reproducible quality of phytopharmaceuticals--herbal medicines--is an essential prerequisite for good efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of functional disorders. In clinical trials and scientific investigations, standardized assessments (i.e., validated, internationally recognized and accepted scales) provide the basis for establishing clinical efficacy and tolerability. Extracts (ethanolic and isopropanolic aqueous, Remifemin) of the rootstock of the herb Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) are active ingredients developed for the treatment of gynecologic disorders, particularly climacteric symptoms. Drug-monitoring and clinical studies documenting experience with C. racemosa rootstock extracts comprise the database of this herbal treatment for menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, profuse sweating, sleep disturbances, depressive moods). These studies show good therapeutic efficacy and tolerability profiles for C. racemosa. In addition, clinical and experimental investigations indicate that the



Rootstock of C. racemosa does not show hormone-like activity, as was originally postulated. (Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders. Liske E. Schaper Brummer GmbH Co. KG, International Sales Division, Salzgitter-Ringelheim, Germany.)

In this review (A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. Lieberman S. University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA.) of eight human studies on the effectiveness of an extract of Cimicifuga racemosa on alleviating menopausal symptoms, it is apparent that it is a safe, effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for those patients in whom estrogen replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated.

The root is also hypoglycemic, sedative and anti-inflammatory. Used in conjunction with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) it is 78% effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal problems. An extract of the root has been shown to strengthen the male reproductive organ in rats. The root is also used in the treatment of various rheumatic problems and its sedative action makes it useful for treating a range of other complaints including tinnitus and high blood pressure.

Both the growing and the dried plant can be used to repel bugs and fleas.

Known Hazards: The plant is poisonous in large doses

- J Womens Health 1998 Jun;7(5):525-9
- Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990 ISBN 0395467225