Phytochemistry, Biodiversity and Sustainability of Black Cohosh (Essay Sample)

The phytochemistry, biodiversity and sustainability of Black Cohosh
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Black Cohosh
This is a plant that belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae and is commonly found in eastern and northern America (Mills, 2005, pg 86). It was used, by Native Americans, to induce anti-inflammatory effects and in some cases sedative effects (Mills, 2005, pg. 87). It is commonly referred to as Black bugbane, other regions calling it the fairy candle or the black snake root. Its specific name is Actaea racemosa and is believed to have important medicinal value to humans. This paper discusses the importance, biodiversity and the sustainability of Actaea racemosa.
The black cohosh is widely known for its importance in the management of menstrual dysfunction. It is also used in the management of menopausal symptoms. To understand this, we have to understand the structure and chemistry of this herb. The black cohosh plant is a herbaceous perennial herb that grows mostly in woodlands mostly in the eastern and northern America (Ritchanson, 1995, pg 34). It grows to a height of about three to five feet on maturity. It grows abundantly in the high altitude areas, and leaves are coarsely toothed. The flowers are white and are characteristic of clusters and do not have petals (Ritchanson, 1995, pg 34). The flowers have a distinctive sweet smell and seeds grow in capsules, and they may produce a rattle-like sound when shaken. The black cohosh is characteristic of its black rhizome that is black in color (Watson, 2009, pg 123). The rhizome is covered with roots fibrous in nature that appear to be less on the top and more on the bottom (Watson, 2009, pg 123).
Cultivation and Phytochemistry
The herb is mostly cultivated in fertile soil in the mid summer. The active ingredients in the black cohosh plant are the triterpene glycosides, acetin, and isoflavone (Stargrove, pg.144). It also contains resins, tannins and aromatic acids which is extracted from the roots. Native Americans traditionally used it in treating snake bites (Stargrove, 2008, 144). It became an important herb that started being used by physicians in the treatment of fever. It also became an important plant in the management of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory activity which substantially reduces inflammation on the joints in the synovial fluid (Stargrove, 2008, 147). It became an important plant of study in the late nineteenth century when some physicians used it in the treating of dysmenorrhea, sterility, menorrhagia (Stargrove, 2008, 145). Some were also using it in the treatment and management of birth pains and also as an agent that helped in the induction of breast milk production (Barceloux, 2013, pg.56). It is currently used in the management of age-related osteoporosis and gynecological problems. It is used in Europe in the treatment of menstrual pain (Barceloux, 2013, pg 54). It is also used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy in the management of menopausal and premenstrual problems.
Pharmacological action
There are various active constituents in black cohosh, but the primary active constituent is the triterpene glycoside. There were previous studies that suggested black cohosh activated the estrogen receptors giving it an estrogenic effect (Berek, 2007, pg. 133). Currently, studies show that extracts of black cohosh bind to only a subtype of estrogen receptors and may selectively inhibit or block some of the estrogenic effects (Berek, 2007, pg136). Previous studies also suggest that the extracts of Actaea racemosa had an effect in the reduction of the levels of luteinizing hormone (Watson, 2009, pg 46). It was believed to have some effect on the reduction of prolactin. However, current studies suggest that the extracts of Actaea racemosa do not have any effect on the change in the levels of either luteinizing hormone or prolactin. It is, however, unclear whether Actaea racemosa can have any effect on the estrogen receptors (Watson, 2009, pg.46).
The reduction of menopausal symptoms is brought about by the suppression of the mu opiate receptor agonist. It also exerts some anti-coagulation effect which pharmacologic activity is not clear. Studies also suggest that extracts have antioxidant effects by the action of scavenging reactive oxygen that may cause DNA damage (Berek, 2007, pg. 140). Isopropanol found in black cohosh has been suggested to have some effect on the reduction of pyrodinoline which is a marker of bone loss. This reduction implies that the extracts may help improve bone metabolism (Berek, 2007, pg. 140).
Pharmacokinetics
Black cohosh is used in the making of oral tablets that are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The dosage mostly contains 1 mg of triterpene glycosides per 20 mg tablet for Remifenin and also varied concentrations for higher quantities of other active substances present in the herb (Bone, 2013, pg. 87).
Adverse effects
The extract rarely reacts with any other drug or substance in the body. However, there is documented evidence that it interacts with tamoxifen (Bone, 2013, pg. 88). The adverse effects can occur in different areas of the body. In the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause slight irritation or vomiting when given in large doses. It can also cause liver damage in some cases although very rarely. In the central nervous system, extracts of black cohosh can cause dizziness and in some cases, it can cause headaches (Bone, 2013, 87). These effects occur in very few individuals with no fatal cases reported by the users of the herb.
The increased consumption has brought up the emergence of agrochemical industries that produce pesticides that may attack the plant which may bring about negative effects (Ritchanson 1995, pg 52). These effects may include reduced yield of the active substance or a reduction in the quantity of production which may bring loss to companies involved. These companies also help in maintaining the sustainability of the plant to meet the demands of the various companies available. The plant is still under study by various universities and pharmaceutical industries to investigate more pharmacological actions and factors that may help in maintaining the sustainability of this important drug (Barceloux,...