OBJECTIVE Given the increasing use of alternative menopause treatments, we evaluated the effect of several herbal preparations used for menopause relief on the proliferation of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) as a means of assessing appropriateness for use in women at risk for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. DESIGN An MCF-7 cell culture model, as described previously, was use...

The purpose of this report is to explore the growth inhibitory effect of extracts and compounds from black cohosh and related Cimicifuga species on human breast cancer cells and to determine the nature of the active components. Black cohosh fractions enriched for triterpene glycosides and purified components from black cohosh and related Asian species were tested for growth inhibition of the ER...

Phytochemical-mediated modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and other drug transporters may underlie many herb-drug interactions. Serial serum concentration-time profiles of the P-gp substrate, digoxin, were used to determine whether supplementation with milk thistle or black cohosh modified P-gp activity in vivo. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a standardized milk t...

An investigation to optimize the extraction of phenolic acids from black cohosh using a pressurized liquid extractor system was studied with the aim of developing a generalized approach for sample preparation of phenolic compounds from plant matrices. Operating parameters such as solvent composition, solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, particle size distribution, and number of extraction cycle...

Background: Hot flash is considered to be an early and common symptom of menopause. This symptom can interfere with the social and personal life of women; therefore, it demands a secure and effective intervention. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the impact of black cohosh (Cimicifugaracemosa or actaearacemosa) on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods:...

BACKGROUND Hot flashes cause significant morbidity in postmenopausal women, including women with breast cancer. We undertook a pilot study to estimate the effectiveness of black cohosh to reduce hot flashes. METHODS Women who reported significant hot flashes (> or = 14 per week) were enrolled. Black cohosh was given in the form of the commercial product Remifemin. The first week was a no-trea...

—Since European colonization and subsequent commercialization of Appalachian medicinal and edible plants, millions of kilograms of plant material have been extracted from our forests, with little effort to manage these species as natural resources. Roots and rhizomes of black cohosh, a native Appalachian forest herb, are extensively harvested for treatment of menopausal symptoms. As nearly all ...