Effects of Cimicifuga racemosa extract on liver morphology and hepatic function indices

Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
G MazzantiC L Mammola

Abstract

Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is a herbaceous perennial plant, that has been traditionally used for a variety of ailments (dyspepsia, climacteric complaints, muscular rheumatisms, menstrual cramps). From laboratory and clinical studies, black cohosh seems to have a relatively good safety profile, even if a number of case reports of hepatotoxicity were a matter of recent concern. A number of case reports indicated that C. racemosa could induce hepatotoxicity. We evaluated the effects of black cohosh extract on liver morphology, and on levels of various hepatic function indices in rats. Wistar rats received 300mg/kg/day of C. racemosa extract by gavage, for 30 days. Biochemical analysis of serum was conducted by an automated, random-access clinical chemistry analyzer. Liver samples were used for hystomorphological and immunohistochemical examination, for the detection of apoptosis (TUNEL assay), and for the determination of GSH level (spectrophotometrical analysis). C. racemosa extract does not affect liver morphology and hepatic function indices, in rats. On the basis of experimental data, the use of 300mg/kg/day of black cohosh appears quite safe in rats. Nevertheless, in humans the safety of C. racemosa should be further ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 14, 2011·Menopause : the Journal of the North American Menopause Society·Belal NaserRüdiger Osmers
Sep 29, 2015·Rejuvenation Research·Yu SunJihong Kang
Sep 19, 2009·Journal of Ethnopharmacology·Gabriela MazzantiAnnabella Vitalone
Jun 2, 2009·Preventive Veterinary Medicine·Cheryl LansTonya Khan
Mar 31, 2011·Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT·Cui-Cui HeJian-Xin Li
Jun 12, 2012·Free Radical Biology & Medicine·Lilian Brites CamposClairce Luzia Salgueiro-Pagadigorria
Oct 10, 2009·Integrative Cancer Therapies·Stacy S ShordAlvina Lukose
Oct 29, 2010·Xenobiotica; the Fate of Foreign Compounds in Biological Systems·Xiaoyan PangFrank J Gonzalez

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