Cimicifuga
Rhizome
Ranunculaceae
Glycosides
Triterpenes
Plant Extracts
Lanosterol
Secosteroids
Herb-Drug Interactions
Lack of promotion of estrogen-dependent mammary gland tumors in vivo by an isopropanolic Cimicifuga racemosa extract. (1/71)
Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) is widely used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Mechanistic studies suggest that unlike hormone-replacement therapy, CR does not stimulate estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells. To evaluate CR safety, we performed an in vivo investigation of a clinically tested isopropanolic CR extract. Mammary tumors were induced in Sprague Dawley rats (n = 75) by the application of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. Five to nine weeks later, the animals were ovariectomized, allowed to recover, and administered daily doses of CR extract (0.714, 7.14, or 71.4 mg/kg body weight per day) or control substances (estrogen/positive control: 450 microg/kg/day mestranol; or CR vehicle/negative control). The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks later, and tumor number, size, plasma hormone levels, and the weight of estrogen-sensitive organs were analyzed. In contrast to mestranol treatment, CR treatment did not stimulate cancerous growth. There were no significant differences in tumor number or size between the CR groups and the vehicle control. Likewise, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and organ weights and endometrial proliferation were unaffected. The lack of mammary tumor-stimulating effects of this extract is of great significance in establishing the safety of CR extracts for treatment of menopausal symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer in which hormone-replacement therapy is contraindicated. (+info)Three cycloartane glycosides from Cimicifuga rhizome and their immunosuppressive activities in mouse allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. (2/71)
One known (1) and two new cycloartane triglycosides, 20S,22R,23S,24R-16beta,23;22,25-diepoxy-cycloartane-3beta,23,24-triol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyrano side (2) and 20S,22R,23S,24R-16beta,23;22,25-diepoxy-cycloartane-3beta,23,24-triol 3-O-(6-O-trans-isoferuloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-( 1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (3), were isolated from a commercial Cimicifuga Rhizome. Their structures were determined by two dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. These compounds suppressed the proliferation of lymphocytes in mouse allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. (+info)Black cohosh. (3/71)
The herb black cohosh, or Actaea racemosa (formerly named Cimicifuga racemosa), is native to North America. The roots and rhizomes of this herb are widely used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and menstrual dysfunction. Studies have demonstrated that this botanic medicine, when standardized properly to the terpene glycoside fraction, appears to be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Adverse effects are extremely uncommon, and there are no known significant adverse drug interactions. (+info)Two new tetranor-cycloartane glycosides from cimicifuga rhizome. (4/71)
Two new tetranor-cycloartane glycosides (1, 2) were isolated from Cimicifuga Rhizome. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. These compounds suggested the existence of a biogenetic pathway into C-23 lactone-type cycloartane glycosides. (+info)Evidence for selective estrogen receptor modulator activity in a black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) extract: comparison with estradiol-17beta. (5/71)
OBJECTIVE: Some phytoestrogens are believed to have selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) activity with no action in the uterus but beneficial effects in the hypothalamo/pituitary unit and in the bone and are presently the focus of clinical interest. In the present experiments, the effects of the clinically used Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) extract BNO 1055 in the uterus, in the bone and on serum luteinizing hormone (LH) were compared with the effects of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) under acute and chronic conditions in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Ovariectomized rats were treated either acutely (6 h) or chronically (3 Months) with E(2) or the CR extract. Gene expression of some estrogen-regulated genes in the metaphysis of the tibia and the uterus was determined. Furthermore, bone mineral density was measured by quantitative computer tomography. RESULTS: When given acutely, both E(2) and the CR extract inhibited LH secretion and slightly stimulated gene expression of IGF-I, collagen-1alpha1, osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin (all osteoblast products), and of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP, an osteoclast product) in the metaphysis of the femur. While E(2) stimulated uterine weight and expression of progesterone receptor (PR), the complement protein (C3) and IGF-I genes, and inhibited gene expression of the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) in the uterus, no such effect was observed under acute CR treatment. After chronic application with pelleted food over 3 Months E(2) had profound effects in the uterus on weight and gene expression (ERbeta, PR, C3 and IGF-I) which were not seen in the CR-treated animals. Within 3 Months after ovariectomy, control rats had lost more than 50% of the metaphyseal bone mass of the tibia, an effect prevented by E(2) and partially by CR supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the concept that the CR extract BNO 1055 contains as yet unidentified substances with SERM properties which act in the hypothalamo/pituitary unit and in the bone but not in the uterus. (+info)Two new 15,16-seco-cycloartane glycosides from Cimicifuga rhizome. (6/71)
Two new 15,16-seco-cycloartane glycosides (1, 2) were isolated from Cimicifuga Rhizome. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. (+info)Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. (7/71)
Use of herbal and alternative medications in the United States is increasing. Many of these medications have unknown mechanisms of actions, and possible metabolic interactions with prescribed medications. We report a case of late acute rejection after exposure to two popular herbal medications. (+info)Inhibitory effects of Cimicifuga heracleifolia extract on glutamate formation and glutamate dehydrogenase activity in cultured islets. (8/71)
Hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome is due either to hyperactivity of GDH or impaired inhibition of GDH by GTP. We have investigated the effect of Cimicifuga heracleifolia extract on the activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in cultured rat islets. When the extract was present in the culture medium for 24 h prior to cell harvest, the Vmax of GDH was decreased by 45% with no significant change in Km. In addition, the concentration of alpha-ketoglutarate increased by approximately 39%, and glutamate decreased by 48%. Perfusion of islets with C. heracleifolia extract reduced insulin release by up to 47%. Although the relation between GDH activity and insulin release remains to be clarified, our results suggest that C. heracleifolia extract regulates insulin release by altering GDH activity in primary cultured islets and that this natural compound may be used to modulate GDH activity in patients with hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome. (+info)"Cimicifuga" is a genus of plants commonly known as black cohosh or bugbane. It belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is native to North America. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for treating various health conditions, such as menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, and inflammation. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies for medical purposes.
A rhizome is not typically used as a medical term, but it is a term borrowed from botany that has been adopted in some areas of medicine, particularly in psychiatry and psychotherapy.
In its original botanical sense, a rhizome is a horizontal stem of a plant that grows underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes. This growth pattern is contrasted with that of a root system, which grows downward, and a stem system, which grows upward.
In psychiatry and psychotherapy, the term "rhizome" has been used as a metaphor to describe a non-hierarchical and decentralized approach to understanding mental processes and subjectivity. The rhizome model emphasizes the complexity, multiplicity, and interconnectedness of these processes, and rejects simplistic or reductionist explanations that focus on a single cause or origin. Instead, it encourages a more holistic and dynamic view of mental life, one that is open to multiple perspectives and interpretations.
It's important to note that the use of the term "rhizome" in this context is metaphorical and not medical in the strict sense. It is a way of thinking about mental processes and subjectivity that has been influenced by poststructuralist and feminist theories, among others.
Ranunculaceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the buttercup family. It includes over 2,000 species distributed across 58 genera. The plants in this family are characterized by their showy, often brightly colored flowers and typically have numerous stamens and carpels. Many members of Ranunculaceae contain toxic compounds, which can be irritants or even poisonous if ingested. Examples of plants in this family include buttercups, delphiniums, monkshood, and columbines.
Glycosides are organic compounds that consist of a glycone (a sugar component) linked to a non-sugar component, known as an aglycone, via a glycosidic bond. They can be found in various plants, microorganisms, and some animals. Depending on the nature of the aglycone, glycosides can be classified into different types, such as anthraquinone glycosides, cardiac glycosides, and saponin glycosides.
These compounds have diverse biological activities and pharmacological effects. For instance:
* Cardiac glycosides, like digoxin and digitoxin, are used in the treatment of heart failure and certain cardiac arrhythmias due to their positive inotropic (contractility-enhancing) and negative chronotropic (heart rate-slowing) effects on the heart.
* Saponin glycosides have potent detergent properties and can cause hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells). They are used in various industries, including cosmetics and food processing, and have potential applications in drug delivery systems.
* Some glycosides, like amygdalin found in apricot kernels and bitter almonds, can release cyanide upon hydrolysis, making them potentially toxic.
It is important to note that while some glycosides have therapeutic uses, others can be harmful or even lethal if ingested or otherwise introduced into the body in large quantities.
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
Lanosterol is a steroid that is an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol in animals and other eukaryotic organisms. It's a complex organic molecule with a structure based on four fused hydrocarbon rings, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of cell membranes.
In the biosynthetic pathway, lanosterol is produced from squalene through a series of enzymatic reactions. Lanosterol then undergoes several additional steps, including the removal of three methyl groups and the reduction of two double bonds, to form cholesterol.
Abnormal levels or structure of lanosterol have been implicated in certain genetic disorders, such as lamellar ichthyosis type 3 and congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome.
"Plant preparations" is not a term with a specific medical definition in the field of medicine or pharmacology. However, it is commonly used to refer to various forms of plant material that have been prepared for medicinal use. This can include dried and powdered plant parts, such as leaves, roots, or flowers, as well as extracts or concentrates made from plants. These preparations may be used in traditional medicine or as the basis for modern pharmaceuticals. It is important to note that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of plant preparations can vary widely, and they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Secosteroids are a type of steroid molecule that contains a broken bond in the steroid ring structure. The term "secosteroid" is derived from "secosecondary alcohol," which refers to the hydroxyl group (-OH) that is formed when the bond is broken.
The most well-known example of a secosteroid is vitamin D, which is actually a family of related compounds known as calciferols. In vitamin D, the bond between carbons 9 and 10 in the steroid ring structure is broken, forming a new polar group that allows the molecule to act as a hormone.
Secosteroids have a variety of biological activities, including roles in calcium metabolism, immune function, and cell growth and differentiation. In addition to vitamin D, other examples of secosteroids include certain forms of bile acids and steroid hormones that are produced by the body in response to stress or injury.
Phytotherapy is the use of extracts of natural origin, especially plants or plant parts, for therapeutic purposes. It is also known as herbal medicine and is a traditional practice in many cultures. The active compounds in these plant extracts are believed to have various medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or sedative effects. Practitioners of phytotherapy may use the whole plant, dried parts, or concentrated extracts to prepare teas, capsules, tinctures, or ointments for therapeutic use. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of phytotherapy are not always supported by scientific evidence, and it should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Herb-drug interactions (HDIs) refer to the pharmacological or clinical consequences that occur when a patient takes a herbal product concurrently with a prescribed medication. These interactions can result in various outcomes, such as decreased, increased, or altered drug effects due to changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of the drug.
Herbs may contain various bioactive compounds that can interact with drugs and affect their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. For example, some herbs may induce or inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes, leading to altered drug metabolism and potentially increased or decreased drug concentrations in the body.
Similarly, herbs can also affect drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, which can further alter drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. Moreover, some herbs may have pharmacodynamic interactions with drugs, leading to additive or synergistic effects, or antagonism of the drug's therapeutic action.
Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of potential HDIs when prescribing medications to patients who use herbal products and consider monitoring their patients' medication responses closely. Patients should also be advised to inform their healthcare providers about any herbal products they are taking, including dosage and frequency of use.
Saponins are a type of naturally occurring chemical compound found in various plants, including soapwords, ginseng, and many others. They are known for their foaming properties, similar to that of soap, which gives them their name "saponin" derived from the Latin word "sapo" meaning soap.
Medically, saponins have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. However, they can also have toxic effects in high concentrations, causing gastrointestinal disturbances and potentially damaging red blood cells.
Saponins are typically found in the cell walls of plants and can be extracted through various methods for use in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.