The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Common names | Blue cohosh, Papoose root, Squaw root, Blue ginseng
Scientific name | Caulophyllum thalictroides
Used part | Root
Known active compounds | caulophyllogenin, caulosaponin, hederagenin
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-inflammatory
Product name | Blue Cohosh-ANB
Plant Story
Caulophyllum thalictroides is a perennial flowering plant native to northeastern North America, commonly known as blue cohosh, squaw root, blue ginseng, or papoose root. It bears dark blue berries from which its name “blue” cohosh is derived. Native Americans have used this plant for many medicinal purposes. Blue cohosh was used for promoting childbirth and treating womb inflammation. The roots were also used to treat rheumatism both internally and topically. Between 1882 and 1905, blue cohosh was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia for labor induction.
Several active constituents were found in blue cohosh roots including caulophyllogenin, caulosaponin, and hederagenin. Research demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties. Blue cohosh extract inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and blue cohosh constituents (caulosides A-D) suppressed the expression of TNF-α , IL-1β , and IL-6 as well as nitric oxide production.