Cimicifuga extract BNO 1055: reduction of hot flushes and hints on antidepressant activity

Abstract

Ethanolic- and isopropanolic-aqueous extracts of Cimicifuga racemosa are used for the treatment of climacteric complaints. As hot flushes and psychic complaints seem to be special targets for Cimicifuga extracts in clinical studies, these parameters were studied in experimental animals. Hot flush equivalents were measured in castrated rats as a quick increase in peripheral temperature with the aid of a transmitter implanted subcutaneously on the ventral side. The hot flush equivalents proved to respond to estrogen and the antidopaminergic drug veralipride but they were also reduced very effectively by Cimicifuga extract BNO 1055 (which is contained in Klimadynon®/Menofem®). In addition, an ethanolic-aqueous extract of C. racemosa was studied in the tail suspension test (TST), a behavioural test indicative for antidepressant activity. A significant decrease of the period of immobility was observed after treatment with 30 mg/kg body weight (bw) imipramine or with 50 or 100 mg/kg bw Cimicifuga extract. These findings in pharmacological tests—a reduction of the frequency of hot flush equivalents and hints on antidepressant activity of Cimicifuga extracts—are in good agreement with the therapeutical responses in climacteric women.