Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. is an indigenous plant in eastern areas of North America, growing in the shady areas of deciduous woods.

Extracts of cimicifuga are obtained from plant rhizomes and are mainly characterized by glycosidic triterpenes, in which they are also usually standardized: actein, cimicifugoside and their aglycones and other glycosides. Further bioactive substances are flavonoids, aromatic acids (isoferulic, salicylic), phytosterols and alcaloids.

Black cohosh extracts mainly target women’s health, particularly as remedies for troubles related to menopause; treatment with cimicifuga helps contrasting post-menopausal symptoms like  hot flushes, sweating, restlessness, anxiety and irritability. Black cohosh exerts light analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions too.

Cimicifuga is also virtually side effects-free, which greatly improves compliance to treatment and thus maximizes health effects.