blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Extensive (537 studies) · ★★★★★
Blue cohosh, scientifically known as Caulophyllum thalictroides, is a perennial herb native to North American forests. Often distinguished by its striking blue-tinted stems, this botanical species has been historically valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, particularly regarding reproductive health and its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Rhizome
- Common names
- Blue Cohosh · Papoose-Root · 2 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Leontice Thalictroides
Names
Common Names
- blue cohosh
- papoose-root
- papooseroot
- squawroot
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- caulophylle faux-pigamon
- cohosh bleu
- léontice faux-pigamon
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Caulophyllum thalictroidesSynonyms
- Leontice thalictroides
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ranunculales, it is further nested within the family Berberidaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Caulophyllum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Berberidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Caulophyllum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of North America. In Western Canada, its presence is noted within the province of Manitoba. Moving toward the east, the species can be found in the provinces of Ontario, Québec, and New Brunswick. Its range also extends into the North-Central United States, specifically within the state of Illinois. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse environments where the plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Canada | Manitoba | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | New Brunswick | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Ontario | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Québec | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Iowa | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Kansas | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Minnesota | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Missouri | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | North Dakota | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant possesses specific anatomical structures that contribute to its medicinal profile, particularly within its underground parts. The rhizomes serve as the primary subterranean organ, functioning as a storage system for nutrients and essential compounds that characterize the species. These thickened, horizontal stems grow beneath the soil surface, allowing the plant to persist through various environmental conditions while concentrating the bioactive elements used in herbal preparations.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Caulophyllum thalictroides has 59 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ANAGYRINE, Baptifoline, Magnoflorine, (-)-Anagyrine, (-)-Baptifoline.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ANAGYRINE | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Baptifoline | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Magnoflorine | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-Anagyrine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-Baptifoline | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ALUMINUM | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ash | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| BETA-SITOSTEROL | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CALCIUM | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CAMPESTEROL | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
ANAGYRINE
- Dr. Duke
- Journal of natural products
Baptifoline
- Dr. Duke
- Journal of natural products
Magnoflorine
- Dr. Duke
- Journal of natural products
(-)-Anagyrine
- Dr. Duke
(-)-Baptifoline
- Dr. Duke
ALUMINUM
- Dr. Duke
Ash
- Dr. Duke
BETA-SITOSTEROL
- Dr. Duke
CALCIUM
- Dr. Duke
CAMPESTEROL
- Dr. Duke
Activities
Caulophyllum thalictroides has 469 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (+)-Inotropic, 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor, AP-1-Inhibitor, Abortifacient.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| (+)-Inotropic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ACE-Inhibitor | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AP-1-Inhibitor | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Abortifacient | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Absorbent | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Acetylcholinergic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Acidulant | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Adrenolytic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Caulophyllum thalictroides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hepatoma.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| hepatoma | Phytotherapy research : PTR (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| underground parts | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |