⚠️
Major drug interaction. This ingredient has clinically significant drug interactions. See Drug Interactions below before use.
Upper Safe Limit
Contraindicated in pregnancy; monitor liver function; avoid with liver disease
PubMed Studies
41
PubChem CID
About
Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside) modulate serotonin receptors; no direct oestrogenic activity confirmed
How it works (mechanism of action)
Used for menopausal symptoms — hot flushes, night sweats. Very common French pharmacy. Rare but documented hepatotoxicity — important safety flag.
⚖️ Regulatory Status
⚠️
EU — Restricted
EMA restricts to max 6 months continuous use due to rare but serious hepatotoxicity cases. Liver enzyme monitoring recommended with prolonged use. [source ↗]
📊 Effectiveness
Menopausal symptoms
Evidence Grade B · 22 studies · n=3,200
Evidence grades: A=Strong RCT evidence · B=Good clinical trials · C=Limited trials · D=Preliminary/traditional
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or if you have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
💊 Drug Interactions (4)
🔴 Tamoxifen
MajorChemotherapy
Management: Contraindicated with tamoxifen for breast cancer.
🔴 Hepatotoxic drugs
MajorVarious
Management: Avoid combining with other hepatotoxic drugs. Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. Maximum 6 months continuous use.
🟡 Statins / Azathioprine
ModerateHepatotoxic drugs
Management: Monitor LFTs. Avoid with hepatotoxic drugs.
⚪ Warfarin
MinorAnticoagulants
Management: Monitor INR.
⚠️ Adverse Effects (1)
Hepatotoxicity
very rare Severe
Hepatic system
Rare but serious. EMA requires max 6 months continuous use. Mechanism unknown.
🏷️ Other Names
Actaea racemosa
Cimicifuga racemosa
Black cohosh root