The North American plant, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.), has been shown to be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, the botanical authenticity of supplements containing black cohosh has not been evaluated or regulated in the U.S. Now research reports that an analysis of various black cohosh products showed that some of them contained a cheaper Asian-related herb, Actaea racemosa L. The Asian plant differs chemically and is not used for the same medical reasons as black cohosh.
The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, chemically analyzed 11 black cohosh products. Researchers at Columbia University, New York tested the black cohosh supplements for triterpene glycosides, phenolic constituents, and formononetin using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection and a selected ion monitoring liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. The 11 products were purchased in New York City stores between 2002 and 2004.
The researchers found that three of the products did not contain any black cohosh. Instead, the products contained the Asian Actaea species. One product contained both black cohosh and the Asian species. The remaining seven products contained only black cohosh but they varied in the amount of active compounds.
"For the products containing only black cohosh, there was significant product-to-product variability in the amounts of the selected triterpene glycosides and phenolic constituents, and as expected, no formononetin was detected," the study authors write.
Experts recommend buying supplements from better-known brands who guarantee authentic sources for their products.
REFERENCES:
1. Jiang B et al. Evaluation of the botanical authenticity and phytochemical profile of black cohosh products by high-performance liquid chromatography with selected ion monitoring liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Agric Food Chem 2006 May 3;54(9):3242-53.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 30, 2006 03:08 PM
