Lee Swanson Research Update

Black Cohosh Stops Breast Cancer Growth in Laboratory Setting

November 2007

Extracts from black cohosh may stop breast cancer cells in their tracks, according to an in vitro study published in Phytomedicine.

Researchers looked at extracts and compounds from black cohosh and related Cimicifuga species and found that the potential anticancer benefits were related to the triterpene glycoside content of the herb. The study adds to a small but growing body of research suggesting breast cancer prevention for an herb most commonly used by women to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Lead author Linda Saxe Einbond from Columbia University, in collaboration with researchers from Jinan University in China, investigated the effects of black cohosh fractions enriched for triterpene glycosides and purified components from the herb against the human breast cancer cell line MDAMB-453.

The researchers found that the inhibition of cancer growth was related to an induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis).

"These results corroborate the results of our previous studies indicating that the growth inhibitory effect of actein or an extract of black cohosh is associated with activation of specific stress response pathways and apoptosis," wrote the researchers, referring to their studies published earlier this year in Anticancer Research and the International Journal of Cancer. "Taken together, these results indicate that the triterpene glycoside actein and related compounds may be useful in the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer."

Phytomedicine: Published online ahead of print.

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