The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines

Published March 2, 1989

Name of Drug
Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma, black cohosh root.

Composition of Drug
Preparations of black cohosh consist of the fresh or dried rhizome with attached roots of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. [Fam. Ranunculaceae] in effective dosage.
The drug contains triterpene glycosides.

Uses
Premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea or climacteric [menopausal] neurovegetative ailments.

Contraindications
None known.

Side Effects
Occasionally, gastric discomfort.

Interactions with Other Drugs
None known.

Dosage
Unless otherwise prescribed:

Daily dosage:
Extracts with alcohol 40 - 60 percent (v/v) corresponding to 40 mg of drug.

Mode of Administration
Galenical preparations for internal use.

Duration of Administration
Not longer than 6 months.

Actions
Estrogen-like action
Luteinizing hormone suppression
Binding to estrogen receptors

Excerpt from The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines

Copyright © 1998 American Botanical Council Published by Integrative Medicine Communications

This material is not intended as a guide to self medication by consumers. The lay reader is advised to discuss the information contained herein with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other authorized health care practitioner. Neither the editors nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the information itself or the consequences from the use or misuse of the information contained herein.