Black Cohosh Does Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk

COLUMBIA, Mo.—Researchers from the University of Missouri, Columbia, investigated the possible estrogenic influence of black cohosh extract (BCE) on the breast (Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc., Inc. 2007; 59(2):269-77). While some studies have suggested hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies on black cohosh have had mixed results.

In this study, BCE was administered to postmenopausal women for 12 weeks followed by a 12-week washout. Participants taking BCE with 2.5 percent triterpenes had relief from menopausal symptoms, with reversion toward baseline after washout; in addition, the standardized BCE had no breast-specific estrogenic effects.

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