Blue cohosh herb – not to be confused with Black cohosh – has been used in traditional medicines for centuries, especially for women. Human scientific research is limited. It has been used to ease menstruation, but this herb has faced concerns by doctors in terms of its safety, especially when used during childbirth.
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| Blue cohosh (Photo by R.A. Nonenmacher) |
What is Blue Cohosh?
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is characterized by its tall, slender stems, distinctive blue-green foliage, and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that develop into blue berries. The plant typically grows in moist woodlands and shaded areas.
Blue cohosh is primarily found in rich, moist deciduous forests and along stream banks in eastern North America, including parts of the United States and Canada. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and thrives in partially shaded environments.
Primary Compounds in Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh contains several bioactive compounds, including:
Alkaloids: Such as methylcytisine, anagyrine, and baptifoline, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal effects.
Saponins: Possessing expectorant and diuretic properties.
Tannins: Providing astringent properties.
Flavonoids: Including quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant effects.
Blue Cohosh Traditional Uses
Blue cohosh has a long history of use in traditional medicines around the world:
Native American Medicine
Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Mohegan tribes, used blue cohosh to treat various women's health issues, including menstrual irregularities, childbirth pains, and menopause symptoms.
European Herbal Medicine
Blue cohosh was introduced to European herbal medicine in the 19th century and was primarily used to induce labor and promote uterine contractions during childbirth.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Blue cohosh has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate menstruation, relieve menstrual cramps, and treat rheumatic conditions.
Possible Benefits of Blue cohosh
The health benefits of blue cohosh are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly its alkaloids:
Anti-inflammatory
Some of the plant's compounds, such as flavonoids, possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and pain. Traditional use reports its ability to reduce rheumatic pain, for example.
Antioxidant
Flavonoids in blue cohosh act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Menstruation Tonic
Blue cohosh is believed to act as a menstruation tonic, promoting uterine contractions and regulating menstrual cycles.
Labor Induction
Traditionally used to induce labor and facilitate childbirth, although scientific evidence supporting this use is limited and controversial. Some have reported the potential for safety and adverse effects in newborns.
Menstrual Regulation
Blue cohosh has been used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of menstrual cramps and irregularities.
Research on Blue Cohosh
Clinical research on blue cohosh is limited, and much of the evidence supporting its traditional uses is anecdotal or based on historical practices. However, some studies have investigated its potential effects.
Research from the Ewha Womans University School of Medicine found that traditional use of blue cohosh included treatment to help menopausal symptoms, and inflammation-related pain. Their studies in the laboratory reported that blue cohosh suppressed inflammation cytokines, confirming its ability to block inflammation.
Another study found blue cohosh blocked the P450 enzymes that are involved in stimulating inflammation and pain.
In 2008, researchers from the University of Toronto conducted a study of the use of blue cohosh by midwives during child birthing.
The researchers found that about 64% of midwives reported using blue cohosh to help induce labor among their clients. The research also found three case reports where blue cohosh taken during delivery produced either a stroke, heart attack or injury to organs.
The research found that using blue cohosh should:
“1) be used with extreme caution during pregnancy, 2) be used only under medical professional supervision and 3) not be available to the public as an over-the-counter product.”
A 2012 study from Australia’s Monash University also advised against the use of blue cohosh to induce labor due to some of these risks to the newborn.
Another report, this from a 2002 report from the New York Poison Control Center, reported the consumption of blue cohosh by a 21-year-old female seeking to induce abortion. The woman developed “tachycardia, diaphoresis, abdominal pain, vomiting and muscle weakness and fasciculations.”
Despite its use traditionally, these findings indicate that the use of blue cohosh outside of the supervision of a medical professional should be avoided. More research is needed before blue cohosh should be considered as a supplement.
Scientific References
Madgula VL, Ali Z, Smillie T, Khan IA, Walker LA, Khan SI. Alkaloids and saponins as cytochrome P450 inhibitors from blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) in an in vitro assay. Planta Med. 2009 Mar;75(4):329-32. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1112207.
ao RB, Hoffman RS. Nicotinic toxicity from tincture of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) used as an abortifacient. Vet Hum Toxicol. 2002 Aug;44(4):221-2.
Hall HG, McKenna LG, Griffiths DL. Complementary and alternative medicine for induction of labour. Women Birth. 2012 Sep;25(3):142-8. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2011.03.006.
Lee Y, Jung JC, Ali Z, Khan IA, Oh S. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Triterpene Saponins Isolated from Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:798192. doi: 10.1155/2012/798192.
Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e66-73.
Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e66-73.
Jones TK, Lawson BM. Profound neonatal congestive heart failure caused by maternal consumption of blue cohosh herbal medication. J Pediatr. 1998 Mar;132(3 Pt 1):550-2. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(98)70041-1.