Extractum Cimicifugae (U. S. P.)—Extract of Cimicifuga.
Related entry: Cimicifuga (U. S. P.)—Cimicifuga
SYNONYM: Extract of black cohosh.
Preparation.—"Cimicifuga, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Moisten the powder with two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 fl℥, 218♏︎] of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol, until the cimicifuga is exhausted. Distill off the alcohol from the tincture by means of a water-bath, and evaporate the residue, on a water-bath, to a pilular consistence"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Extract of black cohosh is almost black in color, and is representative of the crude drug. It is suggested that a menstruum containing 1/5 part water, will furnish as reliable a preparation. Extract of black cohosh possesses all the virtues of the root, and in nervous derangements, as chorea, epilepsy, etc., is much superior to the resin from the root in action and efficiency. It is decidedly more narcotic and antispasmodic than this resin. I make extensive and successful use of it in epilepsy, chorea, delirium tremens (in which I combine it with quinine), nervous excitability, and many spasmodic affections. Persons subject to cramps will be speedily and permanently relieved by the employment of this extract combined with the extract of cramp bark. The alcoholic extract of black cohosh may be used in all instances where the employment of the root is indicated. The dose is from 1 to 5 or 10 grains, 3 times a day (J. King).
