What is it
The Cimicifuga racemosa (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial herbaceous plant that, when fully flowered, can reach about two meters in height. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.
It is typical of the partially sunny and humid areas of North America. Here, at one time, it was used by the natives for the treatment of gynecological disorders and in case of snake bites.
The name comes from the fact that its strong smell drives away bedbugs.
The parts used are the roots with the rhizome harvested in autumn.
Activities
Although the exact mechanism of action of Cimicifuga racemosa has not yet been well understood, it is believed that various triterpenoids may be involved in the pharmacological activity of its extracts.
These include actein, cimifugoside, deoxyacetylacteol and 27-deoxyactein. It also contains flavonoids, isoferulic acid and a rather high percentage of tannins.
The prevailing action, from the clinical point of view, is that of estrogen-like type, which is expressed in particular in menopausal women (counteracts both vegetative and psychological effects)
It reduces markers of bone destruction and increases those of neoformation.
It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving action.
When to use
It is generally indicated in pre-menopause and menopause, reducing typical disorders.
It induces significant improvements in both neurovegetative and psychic symptoms (see table).
| Neurovegetative symptoms | Hot flashes
Sweating Dizziness Heart palpitations |
| Psychic symptoms | Nervousness and irritability
Sleep disorders Depressive states |
It is indicated in premenstrual syndrome, in painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and is able to promote the regularity of the menstrual cycle, thus finding indication even in irregular menstruation.
The tendency of the cimicifuga to reduce the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and favors the increase of bone mass can also make it useful to combat osteoporosis typical of menopausal women.
Thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, cimicifuga is also used in the treatment of rheumatism and arthrosis, muscle pain and neuralgia resulting from rheumatic facts
Finally, since cimicifuga extracts seem to exert a calming effect on the neurovegetative nervous system, it could also be used in neuroses.
At least part of the clinical action of the cimicifuga may depend on its ability to activate endogenous opioid receptors.
How to use it
The best form is the nebulized dry extract titrated in triterpene glycosides expressed as 27-deoxyactein (minimum 2.5%).
The recommended daily dosage of this extract is 0.6-1.0 mg/kg body weight, divided into two administrations preferably between meals.
It can also be found as a decoction (from 0.3% to 2%) or the mother tincture.
Effects
No toxic side effects have been reported at therapeutic doses, even for treatments for fairly long periods of time.
It is possible, however, in sensitive subjects and for high dosages, the appearance of gastric disorders, headache, dizziness.
Precautions
Cimicifuga racemosa has been associated with the appearance of liver disorders; For this reason it is not recommended to associate plant extracts with other drugs or potentially hepatotoxic herbal products.
It is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can increase the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Contraindicated even during breastfeeding.
Interactions
Since Cimicifuga racemosa can exert an estrogenic and anti-LH action, a possible drug interaction with oral contraceptives cannot be excluded.
However, due to the lack of published clinical data, at present this interaction is to be considered only theoretical.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.