Black Baneberry
Actaea racemosa
Actaea racemosa, commonly known as black cohosh, is a perennial herb used within various North American traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as an alterative, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and sudorific, as well as for spasms. Regarding scientific evidence, some studies suggest its phytoestrogens show potential for managing aging-related disorders, and patient-reported outcomes indicate its use for menopausal complaints, though clinical trial quality for climacteric symptoms varies widely. Black cohosh may act as a CYP450 enzyme inducer or inhibitor, which could potentially affect the efficacy of other drugs. No major safety issues or specific drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- alterative · astringent
- Traditions
- traditional · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- alterative
- astringent
- diuretic
- expectorant
- nervine
- sedative
- spasms
- stomachic
- sudorific
What the science says
- The study found that phytoestrogens, including those from Actaea racemosa, show significant therapeutic potential in managing aging-related health disorders.
- The quality of reporting on clinical trials of Actaea racemosa for climacteric complaints varied widely, with low adherence to CONSORT extensions.
- Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) may act as a CYP450 enzyme inducer or inhibitor, potentially affecting drug efficacy.
- Actaea racemosa was among the herbs used for menopausal complaints, according to patient-reported outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Baneberry?
Black Baneberry (Actaea racemosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Black Baneberry traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Black Baneberry for: alterative, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, sedative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Black Baneberry?
Black Baneberry appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Black Baneberry?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Black Baneberry; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that phytoestrogens, including those from Actaea racemosa, show significant therapeutic potential in managing aging-related health disorders.
How strong is the evidence for Black Baneberry?
The strongest finding for Black Baneberry carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Black Baneberry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Black Baneberry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Black Baneberry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Black Baneberry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Black Baneberry?
Black Baneberry is also known as: Воронец кистевидный, cimicaire à grappes.
Is Black Baneberry 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Efficacy and safety of Actaea racemosa for relieving climacteric complaints. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Anti-Aging Benefits of Phytoestrogens: Insights and Evidence. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments. literature abstract metadata