Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. Its rhizome and root have been used for centuries as a botanical remedy. Contemporary scientific interest focuses on its standardized extracts, which are most commonly employed to alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night‑time disturbances, through hormonally mediated pathways.

• Principal bioactive component: The principal bioactive component is actein, a triterpene glycoside with molecular formula C₃₅H₅₈O₉ (IUPAC: (3β,27‑dihydroxy‑3,27‑dimethyl‑28‑oxo‑28‑[(α‑L‑rhamnopyranosyl)‑(1→2)‑β‑D‑glucopyranosyl]‑28‑[2‑(hydroxymethyl)‑1‑oxopyran‑4‑yl]‑olean‑12‑en‑28‑yl) acetate).
• Other constituents: Other constituents include caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and flavonoids (quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside).
• Molecular properties: The molecules are hydrophobic (log P ≈ 3–4) and poorly water‑soluble, necessitating alcohol or super‑critical CO₂ extraction to preserve active glycosides.
• Triterpenoid scaffold: The triterpenoid scaffold confers the weak estrogenic and anti‑inflammatory properties, while phenolic moieties contribute antioxidant activity.

• Wild source: Wild Actaea racemosa grows in moist, acidic soils of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
• Cultivation: Commercially, the plant is cultivated in the United States, Canada, and increasingly in European botanical farms to assure sustainable supply.
• Extraction methods: Extraction methods include ethanol‑water (70 % ethanol) maceration, super‑critical CO₂, and pressurized hot water; the latter preserves thermolabile glycosides.
• Quality control: Quality‑controlled supplements are standardized to 2.5 % actein or 0.1 % total flavonoids, verified by HPLC‑UV.
• Quality markers: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, third‑party testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues, and verification of DNA‑based botanical authentication are essential quality markers for consumer safety.