Flowering perennial plant, Actaea racemosa L., also known as Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt., Ranunculaceae. Traditionally used in Native American medicine for gynecological disorders, rheumatism and snake bite. Medicinal formulations are prepared from the dried rhizome and roots. Habit. Eastern North America; cultivated in Europe. Constit. Triterpene glycosides such as actein, 27-deoxyactein, cimicifugosides; isoferulic and salicylic acids; 15-20% cimicifugin; tannin, volatile oils, resin. Description of botany, constituents and medical uses: D. J. McKenna et al., Altern. Ther. Health Med. 7, 93 (2001). LC/MS determn of active triterpene glycosides in commercial formulations: K. He et al., Planta Med. 66, 635 (2000). Review: J. Barnes et al., Herbal Medicines (Pharmaceutical Press, London, 2nd Ed., 2002) pp 141-146.
Review of clinical experience: E. Liske, Adv. Ther., 15, 45-53 (1998).
In treatment of menopausal symptons.