Actaea cimicifuga

Actaea cimicifuga

Actaea cimicifuga, also known as black cohosh, is a traditional plant used in North American herbal medicine. Its roots and rhizomes have been traditionally employed for various conditions such as menopausal symptoms, although specific uses vary among different traditions. Scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Actaea cimicifuga is limited but promising. A meta-analysis suggests that Chinese herbal medicines, which may include Actaea cimicifuga, could be effective and safe for treating chronic fatigue syndrome; however, this conclusion is cautiously interpreted due to low methodological quality in included studies. Additionally, research indicates varying concentrations of metabolites between the above-ground and underground parts of the plant, with Actaea erythrocarpa showing higher antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Actein from Actaea cimicifuga has been shown to reduce diet-induced obesity in mice by activating AMPK-mediated WAT browning and lipolysis. Safety data for Actaea cimicifuga are generally positive; no major issues have been recorded. There is also no reported evidence of significant drug interactions, though further research is needed to fully understand its potential effects.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • This meta-analysis suggests that Chinese herbal medicine may be effective and safe for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, but results are cautiously interpreted due to low methodology quality in included studies. A PMID
  • Actein from Actaea cimicifuga reduced diet-induced obesity in mice by activating AMPK-mediated WAT browning and lipolysis. D PMID
  • The study identified varying concentrations of metabolites in above-ground and underground parts of Actaea cimicifuga and Actaea erythrocarpa, with A. erythrocarpa showing higher antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. D PMID
  • The complete chloroplast genome of Actaea cimicifuga was characterized, consisting of 129 annotated genes and showing typical tetrad structure. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Actaea cimicifuga?

Actaea cimicifuga (Actaea cimicifuga) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Actaea cimicifuga?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Actaea cimicifuga; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: This meta-analysis suggests that Chinese herbal medicine may be effective and safe for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, but results are cautiously interpreted due to low methodology quality in included studies.

How strong is the evidence for Actaea cimicifuga?

The strongest finding for Actaea cimicifuga carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Actaea cimicifuga safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Actaea cimicifuga in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Actaea cimicifuga interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Actaea cimicifuga in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Actaea cimicifuga?

Actaea cimicifuga is also known as: Клопогон вонючий.

Is Actaea cimicifuga a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Actein ameliorates diet-induced obesity through the activation of AMPK-mediated white fat browning. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Progress in the Study of Chemical Constituents of Actaea cimicifuga and Actaea erythrocarpa and Their Biological Potential. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant Actaea cimicifuga L. (Ranunculaceae). literature abstract metadata