Actea racemosa

BOTANICAL NAME/FAMILY

·        Actea racemosa

OTHER NAMES

·        Cimicifuga racemosa, macrotys acteoides, black cohosh

PLANT PARTS USED

·        Roots and rhizome

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

·        Triterpene glycosides, isoflavones: formononetin.  Aromatic acids, tannins, resin.  Fatty acids, starch, sugars, volatile oils.

MAIN ACTIONS                       

·        Relaxant, normalizer of female reproductive system, antiheumatic.

·        Pituitary/estrogen mimetic: decreases serum luteinizing hormone and appears able to bind estrogen receptors.

• Indications:  dysmenorrhea, delayed menses, ovarian cramps, PMS, menopause, rheumatic pain, rheumatiod arthritis, asteoarthritis.

Other actions include

·        Antitussive, nervine, antispasmodic, hypotensive, alterative, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory.

DOSAGE RANGE

·        Decoction: ½ - 1 tsp/cup decocotion TID

·        Tincture: 2-4mL TID

·        Dried root and rhizome: 340-200mg

·        ADVERSE REACTIONS

·        Toxic at 5g of powder form

·        Flushed face, visual dimness, dilated pupils, dizziness, nausea, h/a, sweating, bradycardia, tremors, decreased BP, vomiting, prostration, pain in joints/limbs

SIGNIFICANT INTERACTIONS

·        Use caution with salicylates

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

o       1^st trimester of pregnancy, lactation, estrogen dependent tumors/pathology