Black Cohosh May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and Canada. It is commonly used to moderate the symptoms of menopause and for other gynecological purposes. Black Cohosh's historical use for these purposes date back centuries with the Native Americans.

A recent study conducted by University of Pennsylvania researchers has found that Black Cohosh may significantly reduce breast cancer risk.⁸ The study, which was published in the International Journal of Cancer, was a population-based case-control study that consisting of 949 breast cancer cases and 1,524 health control subjects, all based within 3 counties of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. After adjusting for cofactors, the researchers found that the women in the study who took Black cohosh had a 61% reduced risk of getting breast cancer than their counter parts who did not take black cohosh. The researchers suggested that the benefit may come from black cohosh's proported "antiestrogenic, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties."

They also caution that "additional confirmatory studies are required to determine whether black cohosh could be used to prevent breast cancer."

Learn more about Black Cohosh & our Menopause Support Formula.

1. Rebbeck, T. R., A. B. Troxel, et al. (2007). "A retrospective case-control study of the use of hormone-related supplements and association with breast cancer." Int J Cancer 120(7): 1523-8.