Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated bre

[herbsandhelpers]

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints - a prospective observational study.

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Oct;27(10):844-8. Epub 2011 Jan 13. Institute of Complementary Med, Univ Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

The antihormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the Objective. antiestrogen tamoxifen often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints. As estrogen substitution is contraindicated, herbal alternatives, e.g. extracts of A prospective observational study was black cohosh are often used. Design. carried out in 50 breast cancer patients with tamoxifen Tx. All patients had had surgery, most of them had undergone radiation therapy (87%) and approximately 50% had received chemotherapy. Every patient was treated with an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (1-4 tablets, 2.5 mg) for 6 months. Patients recorded their complaints before therapy and after 1, 3, and 6 months of The reduction of the therapy using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).

Results. total MRS II score under black cohosh Tx from 17.6 to 13.6 was statistically significant. Hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxiety improved, whereas urogenital and musculoskeletal complaints did not change. In all, 22 patients reported adverse events, none of which were linked with the study medication; 90% reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as Black cohosh extract seems to be very good or good.

CONCLUSIONS: Tx approach in tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients with predominantly psychovegetative symptoms. PMID: 21231853 [PubMed - in process]