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

Frequently asked questions

How does Cimicifuga heracleifolia work in the body?

Cimicifuga heracleifolia contains bioactive compounds including cimigenol, actein, and cimiracemoside that exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it works by releasing the exterior and raising yang qi, which helps address conditions like organ prolapse and headaches. The caffeic and ferulic acids contribute antioxidant activity. Evidence Level: C, based on preliminary in vitro and animal studies.

What is the recommended dosage for Cimicifuga heracleifolia?

The standard adult dosage for Cimicifuga heracleifolia is 3-9 grams of dried root daily, typically prepared as a decoction. Standardized extracts are commonly dosed at approximately 300mg daily. In TCM practice, dosage varies based on the condition being treated and individual constitution. This herb is traditionally combined with other herbs in formulations rather than used alone. Evidence Level: C, based on traditional use and preliminary studies.

Is Cimicifuga heracleifolia safe to take during pregnancy?

Cimicifuga heracleifolia is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindications specifically include pregnancy, particularly at high doses, due to potential uterotonic effects. The herb may stimulate uterine contractions and affect hormonal balance. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb. Evidence Level: C, based on traditional use and pharmacological properties rather than clinical trials.

Does Cimicifuga heracleifolia interact with any medications?

Cimicifuga heracleifolia may interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes, as its compounds can affect cytochrome P450 activity. It may potentiate effects of antihypertensive medications due to vasodilatory properties. Avoid combining with hormone therapies, as some Cimicifuga species demonstrate estrogenic activity. Limited clinical interaction data exists (Evidence Level: C), so consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.

What conditions does Cimicifuga heracleifolia treat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Cimicifuga heracleifolia is used in TCM to release the exterior, clear heat, and raise yang qi. Primary indications include fever, headache, toothache, and skin eruptions. It is notably used for organ prolapse conditions, as its yang-raising property helps lift and support sagging organs. The herb is contraindicated in yin deficiency heat and yang excess conditions. Evidence Level: C, supported by traditional use and preliminary pharmacological research.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Cimicifuga heracleifolia is a perennial herb of the Ranunculaceae family used in traditional Asian medicine for anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic purposes [PMID:33242624, 40573730].

Background

Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. is a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family [PMID:40573730]. Its dried rhizomes are a source of Cimicifugae Rhizoma, also known as 'Sheng Ma' in China [PMID:38715120, 40573730].

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for detoxification, treatment of febrile diseases, prevention of pathogenic invasion, wind-heat headache, tooth pain, aphtha, sore throat, prolapse of anus, and uterine prolapse [PMID:38715120, 40573730]. It is also used in traditional Korean medicine [PMID:18803655].

Active compounds

Compounds isolated include triterpene glycosides (such as heracleifolinosides A-F and cimigenoside) [PMID:22753039, 23364886, 33242624], enantiomeric lignans [PMID:38479586], indole alkaloids [PMID:30450964, 40573730], phenolic amides [PMID:40573730], caffeic acid derivatives (including fukinolic acid, cimicifugic acid A and J) [PMID:30063999, 23054712], sodium ferulate [PMID:16007232], and oligosaccharides (sucrose and inulin type fructo-oligosaccharides) [PMID:37215199].

Mechanism of action

Potential mechanisms include attenuation of ulcerative colitis via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway [PMID:29261886], hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced injury via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway [PMID:41032990], and inhibition of melanogenesis by activating the ERK or AKT signaling pathways [PMID:18803655]. It may also inhibit matrix proteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway [PMID:21420482].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMenopausal symptoms

C. heracleifolia displayed anti-osteoporosis and anti-hyperlipemia effects in ovariectomized female rats, showing therapeutic similarity to C. racemosa [PMID:31262456].

Evidence DOsteoporosis

In ovariectomized mice, C. heracleifolia (50 mg/kg i.p.) preserved trabecular bone mass, bone volume, and reduced serum ALP and osteoclast surface levels [PMID:21987388].

Evidence DEnterovirus A71 infection

Aqueous extract of the rhizome showed potent antiviral activity, with fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids A and J identified as active compounds [PMID:30063999].

Evidence DHyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome

Extract decreased Vmax of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and reduced insulin release in cultured rat islets [PMID:15232227].

Safety & adverse effects

In a 13-week repeat-dose oral toxicity study in rats, the extract did not affect body weight, food/water consumption, or mortality; however, female rats at doses of 667 and 2000 mg/kg showed increased liver weights and serum alanine transaminase activity [PMID:26188118]. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was 2000 mg/kg/day for males and 222 mg/kg/day for females [PMID:26188118].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), focusing on phytochemical isolation and pharmacological screening. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 29261886 (2026) — Cimicifuga heracleifolia kom. Attenuates ulcerative colitis through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 37215199 (2023) — Purification and identification of oligosaccharides from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. rhizomes. · Food chemistry: X
3.PMID: 38479586 (2024) — Guided isolation of enantiomeric lignans from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. by antioxidant activity and molecular networking. · Phytochemistry
4.PMID: 30450964 (2019) — A new indole alkaloid from Cimicifuga heracleifolia. · Journal of Asian natural products research
5.PMID: 33242624 (2021) — Chemical profile of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. And immunomodulatory effect of its representative bioavailable component, cimigenoside on Poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation.

Cimicifuga heracleifolia

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Cimicifuga heracleifolia