Black Cohosh A Plant With Nutritional And Health Properties
November 3, 2008
Black cohosh also known as Black bugbane, black snakeroot commonly, is the botanical plant Actaea racemosa belonging to an important botanical family Ranunculaceae, it is also symonymous to Cimifuga racemosa. The root or rhizome of black cohosh is considered to be highly nutritious as well as of great medicinal value.
Origin and folk usage of black cohosh
Black cohosh is native to North America. Native Americans used the rhizomes and roots as a gynecological remedy as well as for treatment of rheumatic conditions and hives. Black cohosh was also used for its sedative and pain-relieving properties. Dried plant material, hydroalcoholic liquid, and dried extracts are available commercially. Recently, the plant has gained a lot of importance as a nutraceutical and dietary supplement specially for women. A lot of research is being undertaken on the plant for its benfits as health promoting agent.
Chemical constituents of black cohosh
A major constituent of black cohosh which is also evaluated for the quality control purposes is cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides, these are mainly found in the underground parts of this plant.
Black cohosh and menopausal women
Black cohosh is considered to be very important dietary supplement and has a lot of medicinal value in women above the age of 45-50. In general, various researchers have claimed that black cohosh can be used for treating menopausal symptoms. Menopause is the cessation of menstruation, which generally occurs when women reach age 50. The physical symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sweating, cardiovascular complaints, fatigue, vertigo, muscle and joint pain, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium. Psychological symptoms include irritability, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and reduced libido.
Black cohosh as dietary supplement
Although a lot of research is still needed to clinically validate as well as illustrate the benefits of black cohosh as dietary supplement. Yet, the evidences collected so far clearly show that the plant holds a lot of promise for improving the functionality of the body as well as potentiating the growth and development.
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