Phytochemistry and Quality Control of Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), Medicinal Cimicifuga Species and Their Derived Products

摘要

Black Cohosh, Actaea racemes L. formerly known as Cimicifuga racemosa L., and other medicinal Cimicifuga species and their derived products have been used for the treatment of menopausal disorders and other conditions. Phytochemical studies on medicinal Cimicifuga species have led to the isolation and structural elucidation of over 180 compounds, mainly triterpene glycosides and phenolics. Numerous analytical methods have been developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of main bio-active compounds in black cohosh and Cimicifuga plants and derived products yet their analysis for quality control and quantitation remains challenging. This article reviews the advances in the phytochemistry and analytical methods concerning Cimicifuga species and derived products, with a particular view in summarizing the feasibility of using chemical assays for the purpose of quality control, such as the tests of identity, quantity and stability, for Cimicifuga herbs and derived products.