General Information
Common names: Cimicifuga, Black Snake root, Actaea racemosa, Macrotys
Description: Black Cohosh is a preparation of plant origin. Substances shengmanol and acetylsenschmanol have sedative effect and help to lower blood pressure, increase myocardial contractility, without affecting heart rate.
Benefits
Useful properties of the grass are constantly being studied, although it has long been famous for its therapeutic effect on human body. North American Indians knew that with the help of Black Cohosh many diseases are treated. The grass contains saponins, flannoids, alkaloids. Astringent properties are explained by presence of tannins.
Phenolcarbonic acids – salicylic, hesperinic and isoferulic – strengthen immunity and increase body’s protective functions.
In Black Cohosh there are pitches, sterols. Essential oil gives the plant sharp unpleasant odor. Vitamin C converts aromatic amino acids, participates in processes of hematopoiesis and formation of extracellular component of connective tissue (collagen). Antimutagenic and diuretic properties of the plant contribute to elimination of tumors and edema.
Active substances
Rhizomes:
- phenolic compounds;
- tannins;
- alkaloids;
- triterpene glycosides (2%: actin, cimicifugoside);
- isoflavone (with aromatic nucleus – formononetin);
- gum;
- acids of aromatic series (isoferulic and salicylic);
- saponins;
- essential oil;
- 15 – 20% cimicifugine (mixture of resins and bitterness);
- organic acids;
- phytoestrogens;
- phytosterol;
- sucrose;
- starch;
- vitamins: carotene;
- macro- and microelements: iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium.
Aboveground part:
- saponins;
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids.
Application
In medicine Black Cohosh is used as antihypertensive agent. Thanks to triterpenoids, there is antisclerotic effect on the body. Women’s illnesses are perfectly treated by Black Cohosh: diseases that result from inadequate production of female sex hormones are effectively cured, accompanied by dizziness, palpitation, irritability, increased sweating, insomnia. In addition, effect of menopause on bone system is extinguished, that is, arthritis and osteoporosis are prevented. Drugs with Black Cohosh are used to treat tumors, diabetes, atherosclerosis. There is curative effect on cataracts, cardiovascular diseases.
In China, decoction of grass is taken at measles and various rashes, uterine prolapse, gastro- and enterocolitis, to relieve toothache.
Mongolian healers recommend grass for echinococcus of liver, long-term healing wounds, anthrax and diphtheria.
In Korea, decoction of Black Cohosh treats allergic manifestations on skin. The plant is ornamental, refers to poisonous species. Fresh parts of raw materials have an irritant property, which is what contributes to quality treatment.
In rhizomes saponins are found, they are used in Chinese and Korean medicine as means of antidote. Roots have diaphoretic, antipyretic and analgesic properties. Sufficient content of alkaloids gives roots of the plant hypotensive and ganglion-blocking characteristics. Oriental folk doctors prefer to use root of Black Cohosh in the form of infusions at infectious diseases, severe forms of measles, smallpox, diphtheria, anthrax. Analgesic effect relieves suffering from joint pain.
Indications:
- violations of menstrual cycle;
- hormonal imbalance;
- migraines, hysteria and nervous tension;
- menopause and hot flashes;
- gynecological surgeries;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- metabolism disorders;
- high cholesterol;
- high blood pressure;
- sinusitis;
- asthma;
- rheumatism;
- depressive states;
- anxiety;
- insomnia;
- need for rejuvenation of the body;
- need to increase libido;
- deterioration of skin, hair, nails;
- deterioration of teeth;
- prevention of osteoporosis;
- prevention of atherosclerosis;
- prevention of diseases of cardiovascular system.
Contraindications
Black Cohosh is contraindicated in presence of:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- thrombosis;
- blood stroke;
- allergies to plants of this group.
Side effects
To date no toxic effects have been recorded from use of this plant even after 6 months of its continuous use. However in some patients the plant can cause:
- nausea;
- headache;
- slow heartbeat;
- dizziness;
- sweating;
- constipation;
- visual impairment;
- osteoporosis.
Drug interactions
Black Cohosh enhances effect of antihypertensive drugs, so their combination is undesirable.
Warnings
The plant is poisonous, self-medication can lead to negative consequences.
Dosage
1 capsule 2 times a day after a meal. Course of treatment is 4 weeks.
Overdose
Excessive intake causes faint frontal headaches.
Supplied
30 capsules in a pack.
Storage
Keep out of reach of children at a temperature of 5 – 25 °C.
Posted by RxMed