Cultivation of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) nuttal and quality of CR extract BNO 1055.
OBJECTIVE
For Cimicifuga racemosa, well-founded investigations concerning multiplication, germination of seeds and field cultivation have not yet been published. Defined origins or varieties with certain agronomic properties and a specific pattern of active compounds are not commercially available. Special challenges are found with regard to growing of young plantlets from seeds. Comprehensive investigations have been started to find optimal conditions for all steps of the whole process to establish cultivation for Cimicifuga. Aim is to get defined varieties or sources with desirable agronomic characteristics and specific reproducible compound patterns in order to reach homogeneous plant raw material.


METHODS
For analytical tests, validated HPLC and TLC methods were used.


RESULTS
Results from germination experiments with different temperature regimens show that the time for germination can be shortened from about 20 months to about 6 months. Gibberellic acid had positive influence on the development of the embryo. Content of triterpenglycosides and phenolic compounds was highest in May and June and decreased then from July until September. The quality of the ethanolic extract BNO 1055 (contained in Klimadynon(R) and Menofem(R)) differs from that of an isopropanolic extract. Comparison was carried out by means of TLC pattern of triterpenglycosides and phenolic compounds.


CONCLUSIONS
Extensive systematic research on cultivation parameters with regard to all stages from the seeds to the herbal drug enables commercial field cultivation of Cimicifuga. Controlled cultivation (according to good agricultural practice or GAP) ensures the availability of homogenous standardized raw material. For pharmacological and clinical studies, standardized extracts and finished herbal medicinal products are required. Results of these studies are never transferable to other products and therefore valid only for the tested extracts/products.
Popp
Michael
M
BIONORICA AG, Kerschensteinerstr. 11-15, 92318 Neumarkt/Opf., Germany. michael.popp@bionorica.de
Schenk
Regina
R
Abel
Gudrun
G
D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D031885:Cimicifuga / Q000254:growth & development*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008593:Menopause; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028321:Plant Preparations
C475575:Cimicifuga extract BNO 1055; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D028321:Plant Preparations