The aim of this survey was to assemble the advances in the comprehension of the therapeutic action of Cimicifuga racemosa, a phytotherapic drug used in the treatment of climacteric symptoms in women to whom the usual hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is counter-indicated. This literature review led to the conclusion that there are four main hypotheses to elucidate the mechanistic basis of action: apoptosis induction by means of caspase activation, cell cycle inhibition at G1 step through disturbance of regulatory proteins, central effect on 5HT receptors, and estrogenic action evidenced by selective inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, scientific literature is still incipient in supporting the molecular bases for the previously proposed mechanisms of action. There is also the need to elucidate a probable new estrogen receptor that might be the target for active substances from C. racemosa, as well as to advance on the knowledge of the selective modulation of estrogen receptors, which has already been evidenced by experimental pharmacology.
menopause; mechanism of action; terpenoids; phenolic compounds; Cimicifuga racemosa
