Actaea racemosa
Actaea racemosa, commonly known as black cohosh, is a perennial herb native to North American woodlands. Renowned in herbal medicine, it is frequently used to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms of menopause. This potent botanical offers significant therapeutic potential, particularly for managing reproductive health and inflammatory conditions naturally.
- Scientific name: Actaea racemosa
- Family: Not available
- Native range: Europe
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several continents and distinct regions. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented within Germany. Moving to North America, it is found in Eastern Canada, specifically in the province of Ontario. Within the North-Central United States, the species inhabits areas such as Illinois and Missouri. Finally, its range extends into the Northeastern United States, including the state of Connecticut.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Ontario | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Missouri | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Connecticut | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Indiana | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Massachusetts | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New Jersey | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New York | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Ohio | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Black Cohosh, derives much of its therapeutic value from its underground structures. The most significant medicinal components are found within the rhizomes, which are often harvested along with the thicker roots. In botanical preparations, the roots/rhizomes are processed to extract active compounds used in various herbal remedies. Whether a practitioner refers to the thickened rootstock or the fibrous roots, it is clear that the subterranean portions of Actaea racemosa are essential to its traditional and modern applications.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 15
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots/rhizomes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rootstock | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aerial Parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Actaea racemosa has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include fukinolic acid, caffeic acid, polyphenols, 23-epi-26-deoxyactein, Actaeaepoxide 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside.
- Total chemicals
- 26
- Scientific sources
- 30
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fukinolic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 23-epi-26-deoxyactein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Actaeaepoxide 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| actaealactone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| actein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aflatoxins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cimicifugic acid A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cimicifugic acid B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Actaea racemosa has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Teratogenic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Abortifacient | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Teratogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Actaea racemosa has 16 reported medicinal uses identified across 29 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hot flashes, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, depression.
- Total uses
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 29
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hot flashes | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| menopause | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| premenstrual syndrome | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cervical ripening | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infertility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| menstrual pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |