Black Cohosh - Rhizome Actaea racmosa L. syn. Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.

Each monograph establishes national standards for assuring authenticity, purity, and quality control of the monographed botanical. Accompanying the standards is the AHP Therapeutic Compendium which provides a complete and critical review of the pharmacological and safety data currently available, including information on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, actions, medical indications, historical and modern and traditional use, structure and function claims, dosages, interactions, side effects, contraindications, toxicology, and more.

The monograph includes a comprehensive review of the clinical and preclinical studies on the use of black cohosh for the reduction of menopausal symptoms. Many of these studies were translated from original German research never before available in English. Of specific interest to many is the monograph's complete coverage of the controversy concerning black cohosh's potential estrogenic activity, its appropriateness or inappropriateness in those with a history of breast cancer, its use in pregnancy, and its interaction with conventional medications such as tamoxifen. The monograph also provides a complete review of the historical use of black cohosh by early medical botanists such as the Eclectics who left a plethora of clinical knowledge and experience regarding its use, along with a review of its use among modern herbalists and midwives.

Table of Contents:

• Nomenclature
• History
• Identificaton
• Commercial Sources and Handling
• Consitutents
• Analytical
• Therapeutics
• Safety Profile
• International Status
• References