Cimicifuga racemosa Anhang

[Hans-Heinrich Jörgensen]

Wechseljahre - Indianische Frauenwurzel

Etwa in der Mitte des fünften Lebensjahrzehnts beginnt für jede Frau eine kritische Phase, die Wechseljahre, nach dem griechischen klimakter = kritisch auch Klimakterium genannt. Die vom Hormonhaushalt gesteuerte Fruchtbarkeit geht zu Ende, aus gutem Grund, denn nun noch mit der Aufzucht der Nachzucht zu beginnen, ist nicht sonderlich sinnvoll. Damit verändert sich aber auch der Hormonhaushalt, das für die Eireifung und Ausprägung der sekundären Geschlechtsmerkmale zuständige Östrogen geht zurück. Dieser Anpassungsprozess an einen neuen Lebensabschnitt geht nicht immer ohne Beschwerden ab.

Hitzewallungen, Schweißausbrüche, Herzbeschwerden, Angstgefühle machen mancher Frau erheblich zu schaffen, während andere überhaupt nichts merken.

Es ist biologisch unklug und zu kurz gedacht, nun einfach das fehlende Östrogen als Tablette oder Pflästerchen zu verabfolgen. Den Umstellungsprozess schiebt man damit nur vor sich her.

Es waren die Indianerinnen Nordamerikas, die zuerst eine Pflanze entdeckten, mit der man die Wechseljahrsbeschwerden recht gut in den Griff bekommt. Squawroot, die Frauenwurzel, nannten sie das bis zu 2 m hohe Gewächs, dessen Wurzel so hilfreich ist. Zur Unterscheidung vom blauen Hahnenfuss, der in Deutschland ebenfalls Frauenwurzel heißt, nennt man hier das Wechseljahrsmittel der Indianerinnen "Indianische Frauenwurzel" oder auch Wanzenkraut, entlehnt vom lateinischen Namen der Pflanze "Cimicifuga" (cimex die Wanze, fuga die Flucht).

Wegen der recht zuverlässigen Wirkung bei allen Östrogenmangelzuständen, nicht nur in den Wechseljahren, sondern auch bei Regelstörungen, nahm man lange an, die "Indianische Frauenwurzel" würde Hormone oder hormonähnliche Stoffe enthalten. Heute weiß man, das ist nicht der Fall. Die Inhaltsstoffe greifen regelnd in das Wechselspiel zwischen Keimdrüsen, Hirnanhangsdrüse und Nervensystem ein und stellen das Gleichgewicht der Botenhormone wieder her. Die Beschwerden werden also nicht nur unterdrückt, wie bei einer Hormongabe, sondern der Umstellungsprozess wird begünstigt.

TCM verwendet übrigens die gleiche Pflanze unter dem Namen Shengma, jedoch hat man dort ganz andere Wirkungen in den Vordergrund gestellt. Shengma wird dort gegen hohen Blutdruck, gegen Angstgefühle und gegen Rheuma verwendet, alles Erscheinungen, die einer Frau in den Wechseljahren neben den Hitzewallungen das Leben zur Qual machen können.

Die positive Wirkung auf die Wechseljahrsbeschwerden hat sogar das nicht gerade als sehr naturheilfreundlich verschriene Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel überzeugt. Die "Indianische Frauenwurzel", so dosiert, dass die Patientin mit nur einer Kapsel am Tag auskommt, hat den hohen Anforderungen an einen Wirkungsnachweis genügt und die Zulassung nach neuem Arzneimittelrecht erhalten.

‡ Cimicifuga comp. w

Enthält: Onopordum acanthium Flos, Primula veris Flos jeweils hergestellt mit 1 % Hyoscyamus niger Herba Ø, Bryophyllum D1,

Cimicifuga racemosa Decoctum D5, Leonurus cardiaca D2.

Klimakterische Beschwerden [2. Hälfte der Wechseljahre, wenn vegetative Beschwerden im Vordergrund stehen (nächtliche

Palpitationen oder Herzrhythmusstörungen)/Hitzewallungen, Stimmungslabilität und Kreislaufstörungen].

Konstitution: Eher hysterisch.

Dosierung: 2–3 x tgl. 15 Tr.

Wirkung: Nach einigen Tagen. Dauer: Monate.

Sonstiges: Bei starken Wallungen zu Beginn u.U. nicht ausreichend, dann kann die Gabe in phytotherapeutischen Dosen hilfreich sein. ‡

[D.P. Rastogi]

It has got most offensive smell similar to Caulophyllum. Sphere of action same as Caulophyllum. Not so good in labour as Caulophyllum, has no effect. Cimic. much better proved. Women's remedy.

Rheumatic conditions: with hysterical state. Nervous disturbance. Rheuma when the mental state gets <.

Tends to depression and imbalance. Pessimistic patient. Most appropriate in hypochondriac patients with rheumatic trouble (Puls. + Psor.). Changeability of mood and symptoms. Tearful when

describing her symptoms.

Full of fears. Fear of death (Acon.) something is not quite alright, may be anything fear.

Chilly always >.

Excessively sensitive to cold and damp (Rhus-t.). Tendency to catch cold. Uterus complaints and headaches > in open air. Pain in the occiput on the vertex with pain in the back of the neck and pain

at the insertion of sternomastoid. Bruised feeling. Soreness of the eyes. May come after exposure to damp cold. Irregular menses: The more the flow the more the pain.

All symptoms < during menses. Changeable + + + . Not quite smiling patient. New symptoms come up. Hysterical state - pains irregular may cease altogether, insufficient. Excitement may suppress

lochia and milk.

Rheumatic: > rest; <: movement/cold air/touch; Tendency to jerking of muscles. Bruised feeling all over. Very restless, muscular restlessness and jerking of muscles (Puls./Bry./Lil-t./Nat-m.).

Black Cohosh has been used by Native Americans for more than two hundred years, after they discovered the root of the plant helped relieve menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause.

These days it is still used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes/flushes, irritability, mood swings and sleep disturbances. It is also used for PMS, menstrual irregularities, uterine spasms and has been indicated for reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia.

[Dr. James Duke]

“Black cohosh really should be better known in this country (aging population and the millions of women who are now facing menopause). Recognized for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory activity, black cohosh can help with hot flashes and other symptoms associated with that dramatic change of life called menopause. It’s also reported to have some estrogenic activity.

[Steven Foster]

Refers to a study that compared the effects of conventional estrogen replacement therapy with black cohosh. That study looked at 60 women, younger than 40 years old, who had had complete

hysterectomies and were experiencing abrupt menopause. In all groups, treatment with black cohosh compared favorably with conventional treatment.”

“Native Americans used the roots and rhizomes of this member of the buttercup family to treat kidney ailments, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throats. Early American settlers turned to it for bronchitis,

dropsy, fever, hysteria and nervous disorders, lumbago, rattlesnake bites, and yellow fever. It’s also reportedly well known for easing PMS and menstrual irregularities.”

This estrogenic activity, notes Dr. Duke, can contribute to a ‘mastogenic’ effect; the natural enlargement of the breasts. Black Cohosh has also been used to induce labour and should not be used during pregnancy. A dozen studies or more conducted throughout the 1980s and 1990s confirm that the long-standing use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms has scientific validity.

For example, in a German study involving 629 women, black cohosh improved physical and psychological menopausal symptoms in more than 80% of the participants within 4 weeks.

In a second study, 60 menopausal women were given black cohosh extract, conjugated estrogens, or diazepam (a leading anti-anxiety medication) for three months.

Those who received black cohosh reported feeling significantly less depressed and anxious than those who received either estrogens or diazepam. In another study, 80 menopausal women were treated for 12 weeks with black cohosh extract, conjugated estrogens, or placebo. Black cohosh improved anxiety, menopause and vaginal symptoms. In addition, the number of hot flashes dropped from 5 to less than 1 average daily occurences in the black cohosh group compared to those taking estrogen in whom hot flashes dropped from 5 to 3.5 daily occurences.

Given these examples, and results of other studies, some experts have concluded that black cohosh may be a safe and effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for women who

cannot or will not take ERT for menopause.

Preliminary studies also suggest that black cohosh may help reduce inflammation associated osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a review of scientific studies, researchers concluded that a combination of black cohosh, willow bark (Salix spp.), sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale) resin, and poplar bark (Populus tremuloides) may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Black Cohosh Benefits

1. Kidney Health - Black cohosh was used by the Native Americans extensively for this purpose.

2. Rheuma - another traditional use

3. Aid in Labor - used during the 1850′s by the Eclectics to help with labor and delivery.

4. Muscle Pain - There are currently several patent remedies for this containing black cohosh in Europe and Australia.

5. Sedative - Black cohosh is considered by many modern herbalists to be a sedative.

6. Coughs and Colds - common remedy of the Cherokee and the Iroquois for the treatment of these conditions.

7. Diuretic - Black cohosh extract is said by many modern practitioners to help rid the body of excess water weight.

8. Antioxidant - Black cohosh is an extremely potent antioxidant. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radical that cause damage to cells and DNA.

9. Headaches - Black cohosh extract was used during the 1850′s by the Eclectics for the treatment of this painful condition.

10. PMS, Menstrual Pain, and Cramps - This amazing herb was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1920 for the treatment of these conditions.

11. Inflammation - general anti inflammatory. Total body inflammation is now being recognized as a factor in many diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

12. Menopausal Symptoms - significant benefits for almost every symptom related to menopause. A study conducted showed that after only 4 weeks of treatment with black cohosh, study participants showed improvements in almost all parameters of menopausal symptoms. No black cohosh side effects were reported. After 8 weeks, all symptoms were gone in approximately 50%

of the patients, and were very much improved in 40% of the patients. Overall improvement rates ranged from 76% to 93% of patients. More details are in the following paragraphs.

13. Hot Flashes - A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study was done on 80 women suffering from symptoms of menopause including hot flashes. After 12 weeks of treatment, the average number of hot flashes daily dropped from 4. 9 to . 7 per day in the black cohosh group, as compared to 5. 1 to 3. 1 per day in the placebo group, and 5. 2 to 3. 2 per day in the estrogen group.

14. Post Menopausal Anxiety - 80 female volunteers were suffering from symptoms of menopause, including anxiety. For 12 weeks, all the women were given either estrogen, black cohosh or a placebo.

To properly measure, the study used the 14 point Hamilton Anxiety Scale to measure anxiety levels, and the Kupperman Menopausal Index to address mostly neurovegatative complaints.

Before the above mentioned trial (#14), the women were diagnosed to have moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, including anxiety. After 12 weeks of treatment, the black cohosh extract group showed a large decrease in median Hamilton Anxiety Scale Scores as compared to the placebo and estrogen groups. These results were apparent after only 4 weeks of treatment. The black cohosh dosage for the above mentioned studies were mostly different, but still effective.

[Andrew Pengelly]

Other Names: Black snakeroot; Macrotys; Actea racemosa L.

Habitat: North America. Found as understory in rich, hardwood forests East of the Missippi River, esp. abundant in Ohio and West Virginia.

DD.: Actea (very similar but for fleshy fruits),

Hydrastis, Helleborus & Aconitum spp. in Ranunculaceae family.

Caulophyllum (in Berberidaceae, a closely related family)

Part used: Rhizomes and roots

Botany: Perennial herb growing from a large, knotted rhizome. Radical compound leaves with sharply toothed margins. In summer produces a compound raceme of white staminate flowers with superior ovaries. Fruit a single follicle, splitting down the inner suture at the top, producing up to 10 angular brown seeds.

Constituents:

Cimicifugin 15-20% , variously referred to as:

resin

coumarin, a furochromone closely resembling khellin.

ranunculosides, bitter lactones which are only present in fresh root

Triterpene Glycosides (saponins) - actein, cimigoside, macrotin, racemoside.

Isoflavones - formononetin

Tannins

Isoferulic acid

Salicylic acid

Alkaloids (trace only).

Fatty acids:

palmitic (sat.)

oleic (unsat.)

Mucilage & starch [9]

American Indian Use:

Traditionally used as a diaphoretic in agues and general fevers. Reportedly cured many cases of yellow fever and smallpox.

Rheumatism - root decoctions used externally to steam painful joints.

Root decoctions for facilitating parturition, menstrual disorders and for 'chest difficulties' [Pedersen]

Snake-bite antidote - root poultices applied

Early use by European Americans:

Early settlers extracted whole roots with whisky and drank it as rheumatism cure

Barton (1801) in Collections &c.(reprinted by Lloyds) wrote up the plant as an astringent

Used a strong root decoction for 'putrid sore throat'.

Also used for 'the itch'.

Dr.Garden reported on the use of Cimicifuga racemosa in treating pulmonary Tb. - American Medical Recorder 1823. He actually used it on himself when afflicted by Tb. with positive results.

He reaffirmed his belief in this remedy in 1850.

Chapman (1825) classified Cimicifuga racemosa as an expectorant, and at this time it was widely used to treat pulmonary diseases (asthma & consumption).

1830 - introduced into US Pharmacopoeia. Remained till 1936. In NF 1936-50.

Young (1831) described use of Cimicifuga racemosa in chorea and St.Vitus Dance.

Howard (1832) promoted use of Cimicifuga racemosa for smallpox, a claim supported later by Dr. Norris (1872) in a paper read to the Alabama State Medical Assn. who reported families in Alabama who used Cimicifuga racemosa tea during an epidemic were absolutely free from smallpox

In 1848 an AMA committee analysed Cimicifuga racemosa and found it had no perceptible increase in any secretions, but "They uniformly found it to lessen the frequency and force of the pulse, to soothe pain and allay irritibility". Cimicifuga racemosa became widely recognized as a 'purely sedative agent'.

Use by Eclectics:

King - began prescribing it in 1823, using a 'saturated tincture'.

For 'Inflammatory rheumatism' eclectics used tincture in doses of 10-60 minims "until the patient's head is affected".

For chorea, and for neuralgias (eg.tic doloreux), eclectics preferred the alcoholic extract, in conjunction with fluid extract of Scullcap.

Promoted its use as a uterine agent and parturient, using it as a substitute for ergot. Especially useful for sub-involution of uterus.

King warned of occasional reactions - some patients reported symptoms closely resembling delirium tremens after only 2/3 drops of tincture.

Recommended fluid extract for prophylactic & remedy for smallpox.

Febrile diseases esp. children, promotes diaphoresis.

Acute conjunctivitis - 1 fl.drachm tinc.

Cimicifugin - 'resin':

First chemical analysis of CR identified an amorphous resinous precipitate, which became known as macrotyn or cimicifugin. This 'resin' was prepared by King in 1835, who found it to have a less narcotic effect than the galenical preps, and to be esp. useful in female reproductive conditions.

The 'resin' was popular amongst Eclectic practioners who were philisohically attracted to this kind of non-galenical preps. However, despite several attempts no crystals could be obtained from the precipate, only an amorphous mixture partially soluable in several menstruums. Finally J.U. Lloyd asked Prof. V. Coblentz from the Cincinatti College of Pharmacy to obtain crystals from the pure precipitate.

Conclusions see p.269 - no crystalline substance was obtained.

Culbreth claims there are 2 resins, one soluble in alcohol and ether, the other soluble in alcohol only. The 2 are obtained as a mixture by exhausting powdered drug with alcohol, precipitating with water, and drying the precipitate to produce a yellowish-brown hygroscopic powder

Use by Physio-meds.

Preferred syrup preparations to fluid extract or 'resinoid' as these were less likely to cause headaches/dizziness

Used Cimicifuga racemosa as base for alterative preps, also as tonics/antispasmodics.

Soothes and stimulates nerves

Used in whooping cough, asthma, hysterical convulsions, chorea: equal parts of:

Cimicifuga

Caulophyllum

Cypripedium

Helonias

Leonurus

Used in bronchial congestion/inflammation: equal parts of:

Cimicifuga

Aralia racemosa

Lycopus vir.

Anthemis nobilis

Use heaped teaspoon /1pt. barley water. Sweeten with honey, use for bronchial cough.

Use in Australia:

Long history of use by Australian Herbalists. A major constituent of the Viburnum -compound used in dysmennorhoea, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.

This formula used by Paul Wheeler:

Viburnum prunifolium 4 parts

Cimicifuga racemosa 4 parts

Tanacetum vulgare 2 parts

Anenome pulsatilla 2 parts

Achillea millefolium 2 parts

Scutellaria laterifolia1 parts

All 1/1 fluid extracts. Dose: 5 mls in water on empty stomach

Homeopathic indications [Ref.Boericke:204-205]

ACTION and ENERGETICS

Bitter

Chinese spp.(C.foetida & others)

-sweet, acrid, slightly.bitter, cool.

Classified as cool, acrid herbs that release exterior conditions

PHARMACOLOGY

Ranunculosides in fresh plant produce blistering of skin, but break down to protoanemine- unstable unsaturated lactone [See Schauenberg & Paris:130]

Moderate doses give slowly increased power to the heart

Hypotensive in animals

Peripheral vasodilator

CNS depressant/a'spasmodic in mice

Racemoside - a'ulcer activity in mice

Isoferulic acid - lowers body temp in rats

Oestrogenic action (Remifemin)- Suppresses LH release in ovariectomized rats and menopausal women. At least 1 constituent

binds to oestrogen receptors.

actein - hypotensive in animals

anti-microbial action in vitro

THERAPEUTICS

'Primarily a remedy for rheumatoid & myalgic pain and disorders of the reproductive organs of women.' Felter

Primary action is anodyne.

Despite widespread use (in 19^th C) as febrifuge in acute infections esp. measles & smallpox, it is now used mainly for chronic conditions. and for pain relief.

General Homoeopathic indications [Boericke]:

Rheumatic, nervous subjects with ovarian irritation, uterine cramps & heavy limbs. Muscular/crampy pains occurring in nearly every part of body.

Symptoms < morning, cold (except headache), during menses. The more profuse the flow, the worse suffering.

> warmth, eating.

Regarded as brain/spinal cord remedy [Hale:279 in

Note: Fresh plant preparations more likely to respond to these symptoms (and for sedative effect - due to anemonine)

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Anodyne; sedative; anti-spasmodic

Indications: Conditions. assoc. with spasms/ chorea (combined with equal parts. Valerian); epilepsy; hysteria (linked to menstrual problems)

Sciatica; Intercostal myalgia; tinnitis aurium

MUSCULAR SKELETAL SYSTEM

Anti-rheumatic; Anodyne

Muscular aching, local & general, aching pains as from overworked, overstrained muscles, great muscular aching with chilliness and rapidly increasing temp.

Aching of deep muscles of the back.

Rheumatic fever (considered a specific)

Acute muscular pain <cold weather, torticollis, lumbago (change of weather)

Muscular rheumatism; Rheumatoid arthritis

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Emmenagogue; Parturient; Oestrogenic

A remedy for atony of the reproductive tract. Restores suppressed menstruation. Specific for congestive dysmennhorea, ovarian neuralgia, general aching of uterus or ovaries.

Spastic Parametropathy - characterized by cramp-like pain in pelvic area, often not clearly defined to location, back pain, vaginal discharge, pruritis vulvae, painful breasts & dysmenorrhoea

Uterine tonic to help fertility, restore tissue integrity after reproductive surgery or trauma, for bleeding between periods [Amanda Mcquade, P.C.]

Relieves uterine pains during pregnancy

Used in small doses to prepare patients for parturition.

Produces natural intermittent uterine contractions, and is very effective for relieving post partum pain and nervous excitement

Menopausal Symptoms: CR contains oestrogenic compounds incl. isoflavones, triterpenoid saponins. Considered by Weiss as a specific remedy for conditions. assoc. with oestrogen deficencies, (problems at puberty/pregnency, particularly for menopausal problems). Climacteric depression.

Hot flushes. Prevent osteoporosis.

RESPIRATORY TRACT

Mild expectorant; Febrifuge

Relieves cough and bronchial soreness

Previously used for pulmonary Tb, pneumonia, measles, scarlet fever.

Relieves aching muscles and relieves fever in influenza.

Asthma, whooping cough - mainly as anti-spasmodic.

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGES

Dried herb: 0.3-2gm

Fluid extract (FE) (BP1898) 0.3-2Ml.

Tincture ( BPC1934) 1:10/ 60%, 2-4Ml.[16], (BP1895) 1:8; (USP) 1:5

Elixir (FE + Simple Elixir + Alc. + Carbonate of Mg.)

Comp. Elixir (FEs Cr/wild-cherry/liquorice/senega/ipecac) [19]

Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.