Cimicifuga Racemosa, Actaea Racemosa, Black Cohosh Benefits and Side Effects

Cimicifuga Racemosa, Actaea Racemosa, a plant that is recommended in the treatment of symptoms of menopause, has been used for decades, and different clinical studies tirelessly confirm its effectiveness. It is also known as “black cohosh”. Cimicifuga racemosa is a natively from North America, and in a gynaecology is used from the mid-18th century, when it was transferred to Europe. The root of the black cohosh plant is used by

Indians for centuries as a remedy for snake bites, and the birth pangs. Historically cimicifuga racemosa been used to treat rheumatism, and is used today to treat “hot flashes,” vaginal dryness and other symptoms of menopause.

It is used to regulate menstruation in premenopausal women. Since the early forties of the last century in Germany actaea racemosa is used as a natural substance to regulate menstrual problems, premenstrual and menstrual disorders. In the guidelines for the treatment of menopause NAMSA (North American Menopause Society) recommends a primarily change in lifestyle and taking natural supplements such as Maca Root Powder, Vitex Agnus-Castus, Vitamin E and Cimicifuga Racemosa. We can say that it is currently the best known plant from a group of drugs that contain phytoestrogens. Medicine from cimifuga is found in

underground stem (rhizome), and a root (black cohosh root). Black cohosh is applied as fresh or parched for tea preparation, and comes in both capsule and liquid extracts.

Cimicifuga Racemosa, Actaea Racemosa Black Cohosh Benefits

Studies on the plant, which is the 1959th were done by J. Foldes with the aim of proving its estrogenic activity, have laid the foundations of modern pharmacology. Unprocessed base of the drug is nearly odorless, bitter and sour, contains triterpene glycosides (aktein, cimicifugozid, 27-deoxyactein), phenolic acids (caffeic), quinoline alkaloids, flavonoids and 15-20% resin (Capasso et al , 2006.). Strict phytochemical tests did not confirm the

presence of formononetin, izoflavonoids with estrogen activity.Actaea racemosa action is based on the binding of the active substance in the plant with estrogen receptor, resulting in relief. The main active ingredients are triterpene glycosides, and also contain salicylic acid like in verruca plana treatment. The mechanism of action is not completely understood. The effect of herbal medicinal substances from Cimicifuga racemosa was proven by numerous clinical studies. The overall experience has shown a marked reduce of

menopausal neurovegetative symptoms in 80% after 6-8 weeks of use. Studies also recorded a favorable effect on the pains associated with menopause (improvement of local vaginal findings, reducing of dryness in vaginal mucosa).Therapy has proved effective in all menopausal problems, and there have been improvements in the form of mild and gradual regulation of hormonal balance. Black cohosh is mostly used for premenstrual (PMS) problems. A great advantage is the absence of side effects in hormonal therapy.

Cimicifuga Racemosa, Actaea Racemosa, Black Cohosh Side EffectsToxicity studies conducted in animals have not shown any side effects of black cohosh. Very rarely in some patients may appear mild stomach pains that do not require interruption of therapy. If taken in excessive doses, side effects can occur such as headache, vertigo, dizziness, liver disease, etc.

Caution is needed when using cimicifuga racemosa in people who already have liver disease, using some of the drugs, such as analgesics, anti-hypertensives, antilipemics, estrogens, etc. Caution is needed in people who are high risk, such as breast cancer, and such cases must be under a doctor’s supervision. With all given facts if you are having premenstrual or menstrual pains, and are in menopause, cimicifuga racemosa, also known as actaea racemosa, of black cohosh is your medicine!