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Blue Cohosh Description - Some Great Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Blue Cohosh
ALTERNATIVE NAMES: BLUE GINSENG, CAULOPHYLLUM, PAPOOSE ROar, SQUAWROOT, YELLOW GINSENG
Taxonomic Class
Berberidaceae
Common Trade Names
Blue Cohosh Low Alcohol, Blue Cohosh Root, Blue Cohosh Root Alcohol Free, Blue Cohosh Root Low Alcohol
Common Forms
Available as capsules (500 mg), a dried powder, tablets, tea, and tinctures (1 oz, 2 oz).
Source
The aerial parts, roots, and rhizomes of Caulophyllum thalictroides have been used to extract active ingredients. This herb is found in parts of eastern United States and in Canada. The seeds are bright blue.
Chemical Components
Rhizome and root extracts contain the alkaloids anagyrine, baptofoline, magnoflorine, and methylcytisine (caulophylline); the saponins caulosaponin and cauloside D; and citrollol, gum, phosphoric acid, phytosterol, resin, and starch. Hydrolysis of cauloside D yields hederagenin.
Actions
A glycoside component of blue cohosh stimulates smooth muscle in the coronary vessels, small intestine, and uterus in various animals .
Antifertility actions have been documented in animal studies. Some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions have been reported as well . Methylcytisine has pharmacologic activity similar to that of nicotine, causing elevations in blood pressure and blood glucose levels and increased peristalsis .
Reported Uses
Early claims for this herb include its use as an anticonvulsant, an agent to increase menstrual flow, an agent to induce labor, an antirheumatic, and an antispasmodic. In a national survey of certified nurse-midwives, blue cohosh was reported (by questionnaire) to be used 65% of the time by those nurse-midwives who endorsed herbal medicine use. Blue cohosh was often used with other herbal preparations to induce labor .
Dosage
Dried rhizome or root: 0.3 to 1 g P.O. t.i.d.Liquid extract (1:1 in 70% alcohol): 0.5 to 1 ml P.O. t.i.d.
Adverse Reactions
CV: chest pain, hypertension.
GI: abdominal cramps, GI irritation, severe diarrhea.
Metabolic: hyperglycemia.
Skin: mucous membrane irritation after contact with powdered extract.
Other: poisoning in children after ingestion of seeds.
Interactions
Antianginals: May interfere with therapy, leading to increased chest pain and discomfort. Avoid administration with blue cohosh.
Antidiabetics: May antagonize hypoglycemic effects of these drugs. Avoid administration with blue cohosh.
Antihypertensives: May interfere with therapy, leading to increased blood pressure. Avoid administration with blue cohosh.
Nicotine replacements: Increased effects of nicotine. Avoid administration with blue cohosh.
Contraindications And Precautions
Blue cohosh is contraindicated in pregnant patients because of its potential uterine-stimulating and teratogenic effects. At least two cases of severe neonatal heart failure have been linked to consumption of blue cohosh during pregnancy . Also, N-methylcytisine, an alkaloid of blue cohosh, has demonstrated teratogenic effects in a rat embryo culture .
Blue cohosh is also contraindicated in patients with heart disease.
Special Considerations
The active agent in blue cohosh, methylcytisine, is pharmacologically similar to but much less potent than nicotine.
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of overdose, which could resemble nicotine poisoning. Initiate gastric lavage or induce emesis and provide appropriate supportive measures.
Monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels in patients taking this drug.
Advise women to avoid using blue cohosh during childbearing years and pregnancy.
Alert Advise the patient to keep blue cohosh products out of the reach of children. The bright blue seeds are attractive but poisonous.
Commentary
Blue cohosh offers encouraging opportunities for investigation as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disease or as a contraceptive. The potential for toxicity and worsening of the disease requires considerable investigation to assess the herb's risks and benefits before it can be recommended for use. Pregnant women should be reminded to reconsider using this herbal preparation during pregnancy because of significant risks to the fetus.