| The Constituents of Black Cohosh
Black cohosh has been used for several centuries by Native American groups to treat a number of women's conditions arising from labor, the menopause and menstruation. Although the extract from the root and rhizome of this species of buttercup has been accepted in Germany to treat such conditions as menstrual pains and cramps and psychological and physical menopausal symptoms (anxiety, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, hot flashes), tests carried out in the USA have had mixed results and the substance is currently marketed as a dietary supplement and not as a drug.
The active constituents relating to these treatments are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that act in a similar fashion to estrogen. Fukinolic acid is one of these, other active substances include caffeic acid, isoferulic acid, triterpene glycosides and some resins that include cimicifugin, found only in black cohosh and used as an antispasmodic and a nerve tonic. Each of these has known properties, so the claimed benefits of black cohosh have at least a biochemical basis that should ultimately be proved beyond doubt.
For now, however, more evidence is need although many that use it for these conditions described above continue to use it. It may be your answer if you still suffer from menstrual or menopausal problems. |
