Microscopy alone cannot reliably separate North American Actaea racemosa from Asian substitutes. HPLC and its triterpene glycoside markers can.
From the full film, The Evidence Synthesis: Decoding Black Cohosh: https://www.australian-pharmacognosy.org/videos/the-evidence-synthesis-decoding-black-cohosh/
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) monograph: https://www.australian-pharmacognosy.org/pharmacopoeia/actaea-racemosa/
If you want to use a herb, consult a degree-qualified herbalist with competencies and adequate training in pharmacognosy.
Prepared by the Department of Community Outreach, Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy, Cardwell, Queensland. Moment selection and copy: Jesse Kirby. Titling and channel fit: Zoe Bennett. Vertical layout and captions: Theo Karras.