Definition of Blue cohosh Blue cohosh: (Caulophyllum
thalictroides). A tall North American perennial plant with large
blue berries. Blue cohosh is sold as an herbal dietary
supplement that can induce labor. Blue cohosh contains the
glycosides caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin, which cause
uterine contraction and constriction of the coronary arteries in
experimental animals. There is considerable concern about the
medical safety of blue cohosh. Newborn babies have been reported
who have had a heart attack or stroke after the mother took blue
cohosh to induce labor. Blue cohosh was an American Indian
remedy. It was principally used by the squaws as an agent to
facilitate childbirth. It was therefore known as squawroot or
pappoose root. It is also called blueberry root.Source:
MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Find out what women really need.