Products
Cimicifuga extracts are commercially available from various suppliers (e.g., Cimifemin Zeller, Femicin, Climavita).
Stem plant
The parent plant is the perennial Black cohosh L. of the buttercup family, native to eastern North America and traditionally used by Native Americans.
Medicinal drug
The rootstock, the cimicifugarhizome (Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma), is used as the medicinal drug.
Ingredients
The constituents of the rhizome include triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils.
Effects
The effects are attributed in part to binding to estrogen receptors. Whether the extracts are actually clinically effective is controversial in the scientific literature.
Indications for use
For the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and moodiness. However, it is not suitable for the prevention of osteoporosis. Other possible uses include premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and other women’s conditions (no official indications).
Dosage
According to the professional information. There are medicines on the market that can be taken only once a day, independently of meals. The drugs should be administered over a longer period of time to develop their effect (> 6 weeks). The effect is not immediate.
Contraindications
Cimicifuga extracts are contraindicated in hypersensitivity. They should not be administered in the presence of hepatic impairment. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Interactions with other drugs are not known.
Adverse effects
In rare cases, mild stomach discomfort and nausea may occur. Very rarely, liver damage has been reported. Therefore, preparations should be discontinued immediately if there is an unusual decrease in performance, yellowing of the conjunctiva of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or discolored stools.
