black cohosh

black cohosh

Other common names: Black bugbane, black snakeroot,
rheumatism weed
Latin name: Actaea racemosa L. [Ranunculaceae]
Latin synonyms: Cimifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.
Plant parts: Root, rhizome

Black cohosh is native to North America. Native Americans used
the rhizomes and roots as a gynecological remedy as well as for treatment
of rheumatic conditions and hives. Black cohosh was also used
for its sedative and pain-relieving properties. Dried plant material,
hydroalcoholic liquid, and dried extracts are available commercially.
The underground parts contain cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides,
which are measured for quality control purposes (Flannery et al.,
2002).


Black cohosh root extracts have been used for treating menopausal
symptoms. Menopause is the cessation of menstruation, which generally
occurs when women reach age 50. The physical symptoms of
menopause include hot flashes, sweating, cardiovascular complaints,
fatigue, vertigo, muscle and joint pain, urinary incontinence, vaginal
dryness, and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium. Psychological symptoms
include irritability, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances,
and reduced libido. Menopause is thought to occur when
no eggs are left in a woman’s ovaries. The resulting decline in ovarian
function causes a reduced production of estrogen and progesterone
and a corresponding increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH) (Murray and Pizzorno, 1999).