Black cohosh stops breast cancer growth in the lab

Extracts from black cohosh may stop breast cancer cells, suggests a new laboratory study published in Phytomedicine.

The study adds to a small but growing body of research suggesting breast cancer prevention for a herb most commonly used by women to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

They note that the inhibition of 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 (Vol. 2, pp. 697-712) and the International Journal of Cancer (Vol. 121, pp. 2073-2083).

Previously, concerns have been raised about breast cancer patients taking black cohosh supplements in order to alleviate the menopause-like side effects. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Bonnie - the reason I wanted to post this is because of those that have said black cohosh may cause breast cancer, which of course, is ludicrous.