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BLUE COHOSH
Source: Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.)
Michx. (Family Berberidaceae).
Common/vernacular names: Blue cohosh,
caulophyllum, papoose, squaw root.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Perennial herb with a thick, crooked, and
horizontal rhizome, up to 1 m high; grows in
eastern North America. Parts used are the
dried rhizome and roots.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
The rhizomes and roots contain triterpene
saponins (e.g., caulophyllogenin 3-O-a-
L-arabinopyranoside, hederagenin 3-O-a-
L-arabinopyranoside);^1 alkaloids, including
N-methylcytisine (caulophylline), baptifo-
line, anagyrine, lupanine, a-isolupanine,
5,6-dehydro-a-lupanine, magnoflorine, spar-
teine, and taspine.2,3Other constituents pres-
ent include caulosaponin and resins.4–6
The rhizomes and roots of an eastern
Asian species ofCaulophyllum(C. robustum
Maxim.) have been extensively studied in
the former USSR and found to be rich in
triterpene glycosides (caulosides A, B, C,
D, and G), most of which have hederagenin
as their aglycone; they possess fungicidal
activities.7–10
PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES
An alcoholic extract of the aerial parts after
treatment with petroleum ether showed anti-
inflammatory activity in rats.^11 A hot water
extract and the saponin-containing fraction of
the roots and rhizomes exhibited a uterine
stimulant effect in isolated rat uterine muscle
preparations.^6 An extract of blue cohosh pro-
duced tonic contraction of isolated uteri of
guinea pigs or rats.^12
Methylcytisine stimulates motility of the
small intestine, stimulates respiration, and
increases blood pressure (TYLER1).
TOXICOLOGY
In vitroteratogenic activity was found in
the rat embryo culture system from the alka-
loids taspine andN-methylcytisine.^3 Whereas
the latter is found in varying amounts in
dietary supplements containing blue cohosh
104 Blue cohosh
