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SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Cimicifuga (now known as Actaea) racemosa (NUTT.)
FAMILY NAME:
Ranunculaceae
COMMON NAME:
black cohosh
  Evidence for Efficacy (Human Data)
   Clinical Trials  (19)
   Observational Studies/Case Reports  (10)
   Traditional and Folk Use  (9)
 Safety Data
   Adverse Effects & Toxicity   (9)
   Interactions   (0)
   Contraindications   (0)
  Evidence of Activity
   Animal Studies  (13)
   Pharmacodynamics  (27)
   Analytical Chemistry  (34)
   Pharmacokinetics (ADME)  (1)
   Genetics & Molecular Biology  (3)
 Formulas/Blends
   Contemporary Formulas   (6)
   Folk Blends   (2)
   Patents   (10)
  Other Information
   Pictures & Distribution Maps  (4)
   Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology  (4)
   Related Links  (6)
 Dynamic Updates
   Live PubMed Searches   (15)
  History of Records
   History of Record (1)
 
 
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EVIDENCE FOR EFFICACY (HUMAN DATA)
 
Clinical Trials
  An isopropanolic aqueous extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (40 mg/day) was found to be a valid alternative to low-dose transdermal estradiol in the management of climacteric complaints in 64 postmenopausal women who cannot be treated with or who refuse conventional strategies. Nappi 2005
  2 clinical trial studies of black cohosh showed excellent efficacy against classic menopausal complaints and osteoprotective properties, and extracts were deemed safe even when the dosage was increased threefold. Viereck 2005
  Black cohosh showed a reduction in mean daily hot flash frequency by 50% (95% CI, 34%-65%), while weekly hot flash scores were reduced 56% (95% CI, 40%-71%) at completion of the study in 21 women with mean age of 56 years with an average of 8.3 hot flashes per day during the baseline week. Pockaj 2004
  Review of Clinical studies on soy, red clover and their isoflavones as well as of the Cimicifuga racemosa extract BNO 1055, revealed later as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Wuttke 2003a
  Cimicifuga racemosa preparation CR BNO 1055 contains substances with selective estrogen receptor modulator activity, i.e. with desired effects in the brain/hypothalamus, bone and in vagina, but without exerting uterotrophic effects. Wuttke 2003b
  In this systematic review of clinical trials, the authors concluded that despite plausible mechanisms of action of C. racemosa, its clinical efficacy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms has not been convincingly demonstrated through rigorous clinical trials. Borrelli 2002
  In this randomized controlled trial of 49 women, average frequency of menstrually associated migraine attacks was significantly reduced in patients treated with a phytoestrogen preparation, including Cimicifuga racemosa. Burke 2002
  Review of available clinical evidence for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with alternative and complementary medicine including black cohosh revealed, there are insufficient data on other alternative therapies for treating menopausal symptoms. Kang 2002
  This clinical study suggests that C. racemosa extract is associated with improvement in menopause symptoms without evidence of estrogenlike effects Liske 2002
  Evidence on efficacy of herbs used to reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women reevaluated for use with prostate cancer patients experiencing similar symptoms. Moyad 2002
  Evidence is now available that unidentified compounds in Cimicifuga racemosa extracts prevent climacteric complaints and may also have antiosteoporotic effects. Wuttke 2002
  Black cohosh was not significantly more efficacious than placebo against most menopausal symptoms, including number and intensity of hot flashes in a randomized clinical trial among breast cancer patients. Jacobson 2001
  Eight botanical preparations that are commonly used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms were tested for estrogenic activity. These data suggest a potential use for some dietary supplements, ingested by human beings, in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Liu 2001
         Review of 8 human studies on the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. Study concludes it is a safe and effective alternative to estrogen Lieberman 1998
  These studies show good therapeutic efficacy for menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, profuse sweating, sleep disturbances, depressive moods) and tolerability profiles for Cimicifuga racemosa. Liske 1998
  LH suppressive effect of Cimicifuga racemosa in menopausal women and ovx rats caused by three different compounds, non ligands for the estrogen receptor that suppress LH, ligands for the estrogen receptor that suppress LH and ligands for the estrogen receptor that don't suppress LH. Duker 1991
  Menopausal women taking Cimicifuga ethanol extract for 8 weeks had lower LH & unchanged FSH. Fractions tested showed both competitive binding at estrogen receptors and reduction of LH secretion in ovariectomized rats. Duker 1991
  60 hysterectomy menopausal women randomized to Cimicifuga or 3 types of estrogen all had lower Kupperman-Index but no significant differences in serum FSH & LH. Lehmann-Willenbrock 1988
         This Phase I study will assess the pharmacokinetics (drug toxicity, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination data) of two botanicals, Trifolium pratense and Cimicifuga racemosa. Participants receive a single dose of one botanical preparation. ClinicalTrials.gov
Observational Studies/Case Reports
  Review of the clinical data for safety and efficacy in menopausal symptoms suggests Cimicifuga racemosa may be useful for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, profuse sweating, insomnia & anxiety and the current recommended dosage is 40-80 mg/day. Mahady 2005
  Recommendation for close monitoring of women using black cohosh for menopausal symptoms after a case of autoimmune hepatitis likely triggered by the use of black cohosh preparation. Cohen 2004
  [What nonhormonal therapies are effective for postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms?]. Brewer 2003
  Black cohosh and soy can be said to offer some benefits as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy though there are problems like lack of standards for admission to study, unknown dosages of active principles, and unclear or lax criteria for effectiveness in those studies reviewed. Taylor 2003
  Review of the published clinical data suggests that black cohosh may be useful for menopausal symptoms. However, recent reports are contradictory. One study reveals it may exert anti-estrogenic effect. Mahady 2002
  Review of data on alternatives to hormone replacement therapy Cimicifuga racemosa. Morelli 2002
  Patient required urgent liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure attributed to use of black cohosh. Whiting 2002
  Of the certified nurse-midwives (CNM) who used herbal preparations to stimulate labor, 64% used blue cohosh, 45% used black cohosh, 63% used red raspberry leaf, 93% used castor oil, and 60% used evening primrose oil. McFarlin 1999
  "Black and blue cohosh in labour" (no abstract). Baillie 1997
  "The use of black and blue cohosh in labour" (no abstract). Gunn 1996
Traditional and Folk Use
  Review on integrative therapies for menopause showed that botanicals such as black cohosh and red clover have been shown to decrease severity and frequency of hot flashes. McKee 2005
  [Can an herbal agent replace estrogen for hot flashes?]. Jacobson 2004
  [Therapy of climacteric disorder with cefakliman]. [Article in Bulgarian] Sirakov 2004
  Review on practicing clinicians? desire to become aware of and to understand relevance of complementary / alternative therapies used by their patients with premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Girman 2003
         Type "actaea racemosa" in the search field of D. Moerman's Native American Ethnobotany
  [Treating hot flushes without hormone replacement therapy]. Seibel 2003
  Review of the evidence of herbs commonly used by women including black cohosh suggests that manufacturers should ensure that herbs contain pure ingredients. Side effects and drug interactions should be listed. Tesch 2002
         No oestrogenic effect found in mice given 600 mg/kg for 3 days although it is used to relieve symptoms of hot flushes and other menstrual or menopausal discomfort by many Danish women. Einer-Jensen 1996
         Grieve
SAFETY DATA
 
Adverse Effects & Toxicity
  [Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black cohosh.]. Levitsky 2005
  [Acute liver failure associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh]. Thomsen 2004
  Review of literature on Cimicifuga racemosa demonstrates low incidence of adverse events (5.4%), hence supports its safety, particularly isopropanolic preparations, for use in women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Dog 2003
  Data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting programs suggest that adverse events (AEs) with black cohosh are rare, mild, and reversible. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes are the most common AEs. Huntley 2003
  Hepatotoxicity from Cimicifuga racemosa? Recent Australian case report not sufficiently substantiated. [no abstract] Thomsen 2003
  Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. [no abstract] Vitetta 2003
  Review of evidence on the safety and efficacy of black cohosh, ginseng, chastetree, dong quai, evening primrose oil, and soy products for patients on chronic dialysis seeking relief for menopausal problems. Roemheld-Hamm 2002
  The safety profile of black cohosh is positive, with low toxicity, few and mild side effects, and good tolerability. In European phytotherapy, Remifemin is commonly prescribed as an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopause. McKenna 2001
  For relief of menopausal symptoms, black cohosh root extract has a good safety profile and demonstrated efficacy. Safety data, especially during pregnancy and lactation, are still largely lacking for many herbal medications, and recommendations for usage and dosage vary. Hardy 2000
Interactions
No Records
 
Contraindications
No Records
 
EVIDENCE OF ACTIVITY
 
Animal Studies
  Estradiol, testosterone & Cimicifuga racemosa exerted antiosteoporotic effects in the metaphysis of the tibia of orchidectomy rats. Therefore, the C. racemosa extract BNO 1055 may be useful to prevent osteoporosis in aged male patients with reduced testosterone production. Seidlova-Wuttke 2005
  Review of 15 animal and 15 in vitro studies on Cimicifuga racemosa suggests that it possesses a central activity instead of a hormonal effect. Borrelli 2003
  Cimicifuga racemosa extract BNO 1055 exerted estrogenic effects in the bone (particularly in osteoblasts) and in fat tissue, but not in uterus of ovx rats. It appears to contain rat organ-specific selective estrogen receptor modulators. Seidlova 2003
  Ethanolic and isopropanolic-aqueous extracts of Cimicifuga racemosa produced reduction of hot flush equivalents in castrated rats and antidepressant activity in tail suspension test. Winterhoff 2003
  Both genistein & estradiol altered ovarian and testicular steroid release but neither black cohosh total extract (75-30,000 ng/fish), cimiracemoside A, 25-O-methyl-cimigenoside, actein, nor 26-deoxy-actein caused differences in estrogenic activity & antioxidant effect compared to control fish. Zhang 2003
  The lack of mammary tumor-stimulating effects of Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) extract is significant in establishing the safety of CR extracts for treatment of menopausal symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer where hormone-replacement therapy is contraindicated. Freudenstein 2002
  Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) was found to have an estrogen-like action on immature female mice and an enhancing effect on estrogen receptor (ER) levels of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. climacteric syndrome. [Article in Chinese] Liu 2001
  Isoferulic acid (IFA) is an active ingredient of Cimicifuga beracleifolia, frequently used in Japanese traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory drug. Research data suggests that IFA is a novel tool for the intervention therapy against influenza virus-induced pneumonia. Sakai 2001
  In a search for new anti-pruritic drugs results suggest that Scrophularia ningpoensis, Patrinia villosa, Forsythia suspenna, Cimicifuga dahurica, Schizonepeta tenuifolia and Cnidium monnieri methanol extracts have inhibitory activity against SP-induced itching. Tohda 2000
  Isoferulic acid extracted from the rhizome of Cimicifuga dahurica Maxim. (Ranunculaceae) has been determined to have in vivo antihyperglycemic activity in spontaneously diabetic rats (similar to type I diabete). Liu 1999
  Experimental results indicated that the inhibition by cimicifugic acid D and fukinolic acid of the norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction of rat aorta are attributable to the suppression of Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space enhanced by NE. Noguichi 1998
  Ferulic acid and isoferulic acid (components of Cimicifuga) reduced influenza induced IL-8 in murine macrophages by 43% & 56% respectively. Hirabayashi 1995
  "Endocrine effects of constituents of Cimicifuga racemosa. 1. The effect on serum levels of pituitary hormones in ovariectomized rats" (no abstract Jarry 1985a
Pharmacodynamics
  An isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga syn. Actaea racemosa L.) kills human hormone-responsive or-unresponsive prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. Hostanska 2005
  Under basal as well as estradiol- and dihydrotestosterone stimulated conditions, a Cimicifuga racemosa extract inhibited proliferation of LNCaP cells at a concentration as low as 50 ng/ml. Thus, CR inhibition of human prostate cancer cells in vitro may be mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Jarry 2005
  The antiproliferative activity of the triterpene glycosides and the cinnamic acid esters CAE as well as of rat liver microsomal S9 fraction-pretreated isopropanolic-aqueous extract of black cohosh on MCF-7 cells was investigated by WST-1 assay. Hostanska 2004
  The evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies all suggest that black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a safe herbal therapy for menopausal women if taken for a limited period. Huntley 2004
  Black cohosh extract inhibited the anti-IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction, inhibited the IL-4, IL-5 & TNF-alpha mRNA induction by PMA & A23187 in human leukemia mast cells & showed inhibitory potential on the compound 48/80-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Kim 2004
  When the Cimicifuga heracleifolia extract was present in the cultured rat islets medium for 24 h prior to cell harvest, the Vmax of glutamate dehydrogenase was decreased by 45%, alpha-ketoglutarate increased by 39% & glutamate decreased by 48%. Lee 2004
  Compounds from Trifolium pratense and Glycine max showed clear estrogenic activity through estrogen receptor alpha and beta and affinity to progesterone receptor and androgen receptor whereas the compounds from black cohosh did not. Beck 2003
  Not yet identified substances in the Cimicifuga racemosa extract BNO 1055 bind to a yet unknown estrogen-binding site in endometrium. Also, yet unknown dopaminergic compounds may contribute to pharmacological profile of above extract. Jarry 2003
  Extracts of black cohosh do not bind to the estrogen receptor, up-regulate estrogen-dependent genes, or stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors in animal models. Mahady 2003
  Studies showed that Cimicifuga racemosa does not stimulate the growth of MCF-7 cells independent of estrogenic activity. Amato 2002
  Cimicifuga racemosa extract inhibited normal MCF-7 cell proliferation, estrogen-induced proliferation of MCF-7 cells and enhanced proliferation-inhibiting effect of tamoxifen. Bodinet 2002
  Methanol extracts of black cohosh can protect against cellular DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species by acting as antioxidants. Bioassay-directed fractionation led to isolation of nine antioxidant active compounds. Burdette 2002
  Black cohosh tested as one of many herbs considered to have potential anti-cancer properties. Kapadia 2002
  In pharmacological experiments Cimicifuga extracts exhibited organ specific estrogenic effects and were characterised as selective estrogen-receptor-modulators. Winterhoff 2002
  Many phytoestrogens including extract of Cimicifuga racemosa and industrial chemicals,behaved as estrogen receptor agonists in terms of stimulation of Alk.P activity when assessed using an endometrial derived model. Wober 2002
  Study found that extracts from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa contain compounds with antiestrogenic properties. Zierau 2002
  Cimicifuga racemosa, in vivo treatment in mice increased uterine weight and prolonged days of estrus and in vitro doubling time (TD) of cell growth of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and significantly increased estrogen receptor levels[Article in Chinese]. Liu 2001
  Caffeic acid, fukinolic acid as well as cimicifugic acids A, B, E and F isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga racemosa (Ranunculaceae) inhibited the activity of neutrophil elastase (EC 3.4.21.37) in a dose-dependent manner. Loser 2000
  Data suggests that ferulic acid and isoferulic acid, active components of Cimicifuga heracleifolia rhizome, might be responsible, at least in part, for the anti-inflammatory drug effect of CH extract through the inhibition of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 production. Sakai 2000
  Extracts of several estrogenic herbs, including hops, black cohosh and vitex, inhibited growth of T-47D breast cancer cells . Dixon-Shanies 1999
  Fukiic acid and piscidic acid were isolated from a 50% ethanolic extract obtained from Cimicifuga racemosa rhizome. The estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid was shown by increased proliferation of an estrogen dependent MCF-7 cell system with reference to estradiol. Kruse 1999
  EC50 against Plasmodium of 25 triterpenoids from Cimicifuga spp was 1-3 microM; 19 had a common 16, 23:23, 26:24, 25-triepoxy group; 9 also inhibited nucleoside transport in splenocytes. Takahira 1998
  Ferulic acid from Cimicifuga root, an anti-inflammatory in Oriental medicine, was comparable with dexamethasone at inhibiting LPS induced TNF-a & MIP-2 production by murine macrophage Sakai 1997
  "The endocrine effects of constituents of Cimicifuga racemosa. 2. In vitro binding of constituents to estrogen receptors" (no abstract). Jarry 1985b
  Cimicifugoside, a triterpenoid from Cimicifuga simplex, is a potent inhibitor of thymidine-3H uptake by cells without affecting nucleotide phosphorylation or growth rate. Hemmi 1980
  "Spasmolytic substances from Cimicifuga dahurica maxim" (no abstract). Ito 1976
         Herbal Research Foundation reference list
Analytical Chemistry
  A new chromone, 6'-hydroxylangelicain(18), has been isolated from Cimicifuga foetida L. together with 20 known compounds. The structures of 18 have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Cao 2005
  The synthesis of the rare bioactive phenylpropanoid ester known as cimiracemate B from black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, employing a coupling method using 1, l'-carbonyldiimidazole and methyltrifluoromethanesulfonate as coupling reagents is described. Chen 2005
  Quantitative analyses of 85-year-old black cohosh and modern plant material showed similar amounts of the four major triterpene glycosides, but the total amount of the 6 major phenolic constituents measured in the 85-year-old plant was lower than the modern plant amount. Jiang 2005
  5 phenylpropanoid esters, including caffeoylglycolic acid, cimicifugic acid D, cimiciphenol, & cimiciphenone were isolated for the first time from Cimicifuga racemosa with the known cimicifugic acids A, B, E, F, fukinolic acid, etc. Structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data. Stromeier 2005
  Bioassay-guided isolation from the dietary supplement made from black cohosh(Cimicifuga racemosa) afforded 6 active principles, identified as cycloartanoid triterpene glycosides which showed CYP3A4 inhibition used for the treatment of menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. Tsukamoto 2005
  A liquid chromatography /turbo ion spray-mass spectrometry method was developed to examine the chromatography of 7 Cimicifuga herbs & 6 Cimicifuga racemosa(CR) commercial products. CR & its six products contained about 6-15% of 23-epi-26-deoxyactein in total triterpene glycosides. Wang 2005
  Cycloartane triglycosides isolated from Cimicifuga Rhizome suppressed the proliferation of mouse lymphocytes. Nishida 2003
  Eight new and 13 known triterpene glycosides, along with the known compounds glyceryl-1-palmitate and daucosterol-6'-linoleate were isolated from the roots/rhizomes of Cimicifuga racemosa. Chen 2002a
  Four phenylpropanoid esters, cimiracemates A-D, along with three known compounds, isoferulic acid, ferulic acid and methyl caffeate were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa. Chen 2002b
  Clinical actions of black cohosh have been attributed to the isoflavonone formononetin since 1985;it was not detected in black cohosh roots and rhizomes collected in thirteen locations. Estrogen-like actions of black cohosh, may be due to compounds, other than formononetin. Kennelly 2002
  From aerial parts of Cimicifuga dahurica, two new cyclolanostanol xylosides, cimilactone A and cimilactone B and three known compounds were isolated. Liu 2002
  The structures of four new cycloartane glycosides compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and chemical methods and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Watanabe 2002
  The chemical constituents of Cimicifuga simplex and its related species were reexamined using HPLC and high resolution spectral analysis --- 59 new cycloartane triterpene glycosides and 11 new aromatic constituents were isolated with the previously reported compounds. Kusano 2001
  Four new cycloart-7-ene triterpenol arabinosides, bugbanosides C-F, were isolated from the underground parts of Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk. Kusano 2001b
  Further studies are needed to fully characterize whether triterpene glycosides as well as other components of black cohosh in this plant extract bind to the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha). Onorato 2001
  A new cycloartane glycoside (1) was obtained from a minor triterpene fraction of the rhizome extract of Actaea racemosa (synonym: Cimicifuga racemosa) along with a known compound, cimigenol 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside. Wende 2001
  Five cycloartane triterpenoids were isolated and identified from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga acerina (Sieb. et Zucc.) by Column chromatgraphy together with HPLC and structures determined by FAB-MS, NMR (1D and 2D) and hydrolysis methods [Article in Chinese]. Zhang 2001
  The structures of two new cycloartane-type saponin constituents of the roots of Cimicifuga foetida were established by the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Zhu 2001
  A new 9,19-cyclolanostane-type triterpene xyloside (1), from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga racemosa, has been isolated together with four known saponins. Bedir 2000
  A method to directly identify triterpene glycosides using reversed-phase liquid chromatography with positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS was developed. The method can be used to distinguish black cohosh products from among different plant species for quality control purposes. He 2000
  Eight new triterpene glycosides named cimiracemosides A-H, respectively, and eight known triterpene glycosides were isolated from the rhizome extracts of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). Shao 2000
  [Advance in the research on triterpenoids of tribe Cimicifugeae] [Article in Chinese]. Ju 1999
  A new cycloartane saponin along with two known compounds, cimigenol and cimigenol 3-O-beta-D-xyloside, was isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga acerina (Sieb. et Zucc.) Tanaka. Zhang 1999
  Eight new glycosides isolated from Cimicifuga simplex. Kusano 1996
  Neocimiside, a new cycloartane triterpenoid glycoside isolated from rhizomes of Cimicifuge foetida L., has 11 beta-OH group and lacks the 24-isopropyl group. Li, 1996
  Many 9,19-cyclolanostane glycosides have been isolated from Cimicifuga and related genera. Acetylshengmanol xyloside seems to be the parent component of the other glycosides. Sakurai 1996
  Three new cyclolanostanol xylosides were isolated from a batch of commercial Cimicifuga rhizome. Koeda 1995
  Two new triterpenol glycosides were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica. Sakurai 1994
  "Studies on the Chinese crude drug "Shoma." VII. Isolation and determination of genuine natural products, acetyl shengmanol xyloside, 24-O-acetylhydroshengmanol xyloside, and shengmanol xyloside, in Cimicifuga" (no abstract, Japanese) Kimura 1983
  "Studies on the constituents of Cimicifuga spp. XII. A revised structure of acerinol and the structures of the related compounds" (no abstract, Japanese) Kusano 1976
         "Contents of Cimicifuga racemosa. 5. 27-desoxyacetylacteol" (no abstract, German) Linde 1968
  "Contents of Cimicifuga racemosa. 3. On the constitution of the rings A, B and C of actein" (no abstract, German). Linde 1967
         A validated method for detecting Triterpene Glycosides in Black Cohosh Using ELSD. Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement
         ELSD chromatogram of Triterpene Glycosides in Black Cohosh. Institute for Nutraceutical Advancement
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
  In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes indicated that black cohosh weakly inhibited CYP2D6 substrates and may interfere with it. Gurley 2005
Genetics & Molecular Biology
  Random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses was applied to distinguish three Cimicifuga species: C. racemosa, C. americana and C. rubifolia. Xu 2002
         NCBI nucleotide sequence
         NCBI protein sequence
FORMULAS/BLENDS
 
Contemporary Formulas
  Commercially available products induced an increase in the MCF-7 proliferation rates, indicating an estrogen-agonistic activity in the absence of estradiol. But isopropanolic black cohosh extract did not stimulate MCF-7 growth & exerted inhibitory effects on cellular proliferation. Bodinet 2004
  [Alternative menopause treatments fall short]. Health News 2003
  Combined administration of tamoxifen plus Cimicifuga racemosa preparation CR BNO 1055 for 12 months reduced number and severity of hot flushes induced by tamoxifen in premenopausal breast cancer survivors. Hernandez 2003
  [Most alternative therapies not so hot for hot flashes]. No authors. 2003
  Study to determine efficacy of morning/evening menopause formulae both containing black cohosh suggests that both are safe and effective for relieving menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and sleep disturbance. Sun 2003
         ANMP Natural Product Monograph
Folk Blends
         Grieve's Modern Herbal
         King's American Dispensatory
Patents
         Conduct a search on "Cimicifuga or Actaea racemosa" or "black cohosh" in the title, abstract or claims section of the US patent database
         Feminine care products for the delivery of therapeutic substances US Patent 6,888,043
         Pharmaceutically active plant preparation for the treatment of migraine containing Tanacetum parthenium in combination with Vitex agnus castus and/or Cimicifuga racemosa and/or Zingiber officinale US Patent 6,967,033
         Preparation of Cimicifuga racemosa can be used to successfully treat urinary incontinence in treatment of women following a hysterectomy or after the menopause US Patent 6,713,097
         Fabrication method of oral care composition US Patent 6,767,560
         Herbal composition US Patent 6,586,018
         Breast-enhancing, herbal compositions and methods of using same US Patent 6,200,594
         Herbal composition for promoting hormonal balance in women and methods of using same US Patent 6,242,012
         Hair care formulations US Patent 6,139,828
         Process for producing interferon inducers US Patent 4,469,685
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Pictures & Distribution Maps
         Plant picture at Michael Moore
         Summary of the Conservation Status of Cimicifuga ssp. (Cimicifuga rubifolia, C. americana, and C. racemosa) MPWG
         Natural Resources Conservation Service-Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. black bugbane NRCS
         UW-Madison Botanical Garden Species Detail Page:Cimicifuga racemosa UW-MBl
Cultivation, Conservation & Ecology
  Investigations on Cimicifuga racemosa revealed, time for germination, influence of Gibberellic acid on embryo; seasonal variations in chemical contents and difference in the quality of the ethanolic extract BNO 1055. Popp 2003
  Cimicifuga racemosa plant is wild crafted and conservationists have expressed concerns with its sustainability. Review suggest that conservation of C. racemosa is possible through in vitro multiplication of leaf-derived callus. Lata 2002
  Allozyme data strongly indicate that the two morphological types (Groups I and II) of Cimicifuga simplex should be treated as separate species. Lee 2000
         Located near Rutland in Meigs County, Ohio, the National Center for the Preservation of Medicinal Herbs is a not-for-profit research facility and preserve responsible for the cultivation and study medicinal herbs that are at risk of extinction. Black Cohosh
Related Links
  Scroll down index of herbs to find Radix Cimicifugae Racemosae within the pdf file in WHO monograph
         Searched for Cimicifuga racemosa site:ars.usda.gov.-Agricultural Research service ARS
         Citeline.com
         Monograph at NCCAM Herbs-at-a-Glance
         Search for Cimicifuga racemosa in Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Phytochem and Ethnobot DB
         Steven Foster Group-Cimicifuga racemosa SFG
DYNAMIC UPDATES
 
Live PubMed Searches
  Actaea racemosa and Analytical Chemistry
  Actaea racemosa and Animal Studies
  Actaea racemosa and Case Reports
  Actaea racemosa and Clinical Trials
  Actaea racemosa and Drug Interactions
  Actaea racemosa and Ethnobotanical Use
  Actaea racemosa and Genetics
  Actaea racemosa and In Vitro Studies
  Actaea racemosa and Pharmacodynamics
  Actaea racemosa and Pharmacokinetics
  Actaea racemosa and Preparations & Formulary
  Actaea racemosa and Reference Standards
  Actaea racemosa and Safety & Toxicology
  Actaea racemosa and Therapeutic Activity
  Actaea racemosa and Tissue Culture

HISTORY OF RECORD
RESEARCHED BY: Soaring Bear, Ph.D.    1998-2000
RESEARCH UPDATED BY: Michael C. Tims, PhD. candidate    September 2002
REVISED BY: J Mohanasundaram, MD, Ph.D    August 2005
 
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