Lee Swanson Research Update

Black Cohosh May Cut Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

May 2007

A new study provides preliminary evidence that an herbal medicine used to help women cope with menopausal symptoms may reduce breast cancer risk, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer.

Many women use hormone-related supplements such as black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, ginseng and yam to deal with hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

According to study authors, "Hormone-related supplements (HRS), many of which contain phytoestrogens, are widely used to manage menopausal symptoms, yet their relationship with breast cancer risk has generally not been evaluated. We evaluated whether use of HRS was associated with breast cancer risk, using a population-based case-control study in three counties of the Philadelphia, PA metropolitan area."

To examine how the use of these herbs might relate to breast cancer risk, the researchers compared 949 women with breast cancer to 1,524 healthy controls. African-American women were somewhat more likely than European-Americans to use the herbs. Women who reported taking black cohosh (five percent of blacks and two percent of whites) were at 61% lower risk of breast cancer, the researchers found.

Previous studies have shown that black cohosh can block cell growth. The herb is also an antioxidant, and has been shown to have anti-estrogen effects as well.

While researchers were impressed with the results of the study, they added: "Additional confirmatory studies are required to determine whether black cohosh could be used to prevent breast cancer."

International Journal of Cancer 120(7):1523-1528, 2007

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