Chemical profiling of Actaea species and commercial products using UPLC-QTof-MS.

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.) is a native North American species, where it is widely used as an herbal supplement for the relief of menopausal symptoms. It is available in Europe as a phytomedicine since the 1950s. Black cohosh commercial products were ranked in the top ten of supplement sales in the USA. In addition to A. racemosa, there are other North American and Asian Actaea species. Due to the continual increase in sales and collection of A. racemosa, mix up and adulteration with related and non-related species could be seen in the market. This is a major concern as it poses health issues to the unknowing consumers.