Title: Blue Cohosh
Additional Names: Caulophyllum; papoose root; squaw root
Literature References: Perennial herb, Caulophyllum thalictroides Michx., Berberidaceae. Mature plant is a peculiar bluish green color and bears dark blue fruit. Traditionally used in Native American medicine as a uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, antispasmodic. Medicinal formulations are prepared from the dried rhizome and roots. Habit. Damp woods of eastern North America. Constit. Alkaloids, primarily baptifoline, methylcytisine, anagyrine, magnoflorine, q.q.v.; 2 glycosides, caulosaponin, cauloside D; citrullol, gum, resins, phosphoric acid, phytosterol. GC determn of alkaloids: J. M. Betz et al., Phytochem. Anal. 9, 232 (1998). Tetratogenicity study of constituents: E. J. Kennelly et al., J. Nat. Prod. 62, 1385 (1999). Brief review of clinical use in labor stimulation: B. L. McFarlin et al., J. Nurse-Midwifery 44, 205-216 (1999). Reviews of medicinal uses: V. E. Tyler, Herbs of Choice (Pharmaceutical Products Press, New York, 1994) pp 47-48; J. Barnes et al., Herbal Medicines (Pharmaceutical Press, London, 2nd Ed., 2002) pp 147-148.
NOTE: Do not confuse with black cohosh, q.v.
Therap-Cat: Emmenogogue; oxytocic. |