Cimicifuga foetida (Cimicifuga foetida): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Cimicifuga foetida work in the body?

Cimicifuga foetida contains active compounds including cimicifugoside, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, and salicylates that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties through modulation of inflammatory pathways. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb works by clearing heat, detoxifying, and lifting yang qi, which addresses conditions like headaches and gum disease. The salicylates may contribute to pain-relieving effects similar to aspirin-like compounds. Evidence level: C (preliminary research supporting traditional use).

Does Cimicifuga foetida interact with any medications?

Cimicifuga foetida may interact with certain medications due to its salicylate content and other active compounds. Patients taking anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs should use caution, as salicylates may increase bleeding risk. The herb may also interact with immunosuppressants and medications metabolized by liver enzymes. Limited clinical interaction data exists, so patients should consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on constituent profile).

What is the recommended dosage for Cimicifuga foetida?

The standard adult dosage for Cimicifuga foetida is 3-9 grams of dried rhizome daily, typically prepared as a decoction or included in herbal formulations. This dosage range comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical practice. The appropriate dose depends on the specific condition being treated, individual constitution, and whether used alone or in combination formulas. Always follow guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Cimicifuga foetida safe during pregnancy?

Cimicifuga foetida is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine sources specifically contraindicate this herb in pregnancy. The active compounds may stimulate uterine contractions or affect hormonal pathways, potentially risking fetal development or pregnancy maintenance. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

What is Cimicifuga foetida used to treat?

Cimicifuga foetida is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat, detoxify, and lift yang qi. It is traditionally prescribed for headaches, gum diseases, and conditions associated with heat toxicity. Preliminary research supports anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. The herb is also used for toothaches, oral inflammation, and conditions involving ascending yang patterns. Evidence level: C (preliminary research supporting traditional applications).

What are the side effects of Cimicifuga foetida?

Reported side effects of Cimicifuga foetida include nausea and headache, particularly at higher doses above the recommended range. The herb is contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and ascending fire, a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic pattern. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals. Due to limited safety data (Evidence level: C), patients should start with lower doses and discontinue use if adverse reactions develop. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects persist.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cimicifuga foetida is a medicinal herb used primarily for menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and various inflammatory or infectious conditions [PMID:38914214, 40680333, 38715120].

Contexte

Cimicifuga foetida L. (also known as Actaea cimicifuga L.) is a plant of the Ranunculaceae family, often referred to as 'Sheng Ma' in China [PMID:38715120, 28303225, 32498562].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat wind-heat headache, tooth pain, aphtha, sore throat, prolapse of anus, and uterine prolapse [PMID:38715120]. It is also recognized as a cooling and detoxification agent [PMID:22688911].

Composés actifs

The rhizomes contain cycloartane triterpene glycosides (including actein, cimimanols A-F, and shengmanol derivatives), phenylpropanoids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid), chromones, and triterpenoid-chromone hybrids (cimitriteromones) [PMID:32464254, 25136911, 42124438, 30044102, 38715120].

Mécanisme d'action

C. foetida exhibits agonistic activity on cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) to inhibit osteoclast autophagy [PMID:40680333]. Other mechanisms include inhibition of the IκB/NF-κB and MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathways for anti-inflammatory effects [PMID:36115602], and potential inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) [PMID:42124438].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BMenopausal symptoms

C. foetida extract (100mg daily) decreased modified Kupperman Menopausal Index scores in early postmenopausal women [PMID:29198157].

Preuve BBreast tenderness

Postmenopausal women receiving C. foetida extract had the lowest prevalence of breast tenderness compared to those on hormone therapy [PMID:29542344].

Preuve BChronic Hepatitis B

Combination therapy of C. foetida and adefovir significantly reduced median intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels compared to adefovir monotherapy [PMID:27073640].

Preuve DPostmenopausal osteoporosis

Prevents osteoporosis by inhibiting autophagy of osteoclasts via CB2R and ERα (studied in vitro and in OVX rat models) [PMID:40680333].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In a clinical trial of menopausal women, no significant changes were observed in liver function, renal function, or components of metabolic syndrome after 3 months of treatment [PMID:29198157].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence ranges from high-level clinical trials (RCTs) for menopausal symptoms and HBV to preclinical in vitro/in vivo studies for oncology, obesity, and antiviral effects.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38914214 (2024) — Antidepressant-like effects of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. via modulation of monoamine regulatory pathways. · Physiology & behavior
2.PMID: 40680333 (2025) — Cimicifuga foetida and C. racemosa prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by inhibiting autophagy of osteoclasts via CB2R and ERα. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 32464254 (2020) — Cycloartane triterpene glycosides from rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida L. with lipid-lowering activity on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. · Fitoterapia
4.PMID: 15621617 (2005) — Chemical constituents from Cimicifuga foetida. · Journal of Asian natural products research
5.PMID: 25136911 (2014) — Cycloartane triterpenoids and their glycosides from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida.

Cimicifuga foetida

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cimicifuga foetida