05.01.11
Nutraceutical: Black cohosh
Indication: Menopause symptoms (in breast cancer patients taking Tamoxifen)
Source: Gynecol Endocrinol, Jan 13, 2011:[Epub ahead of print].
Research: The anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the anti-estrogen Tamoxifen often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints. As estrogen substitution is contraindicated, herbal alternatives, such as extracts of black cohosh, are often used. Researchers at the Institute of Complementary Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, conducted a prospective observational study in 50 breast cancer patients undergoing Tamoxifen treatment. 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 therapy using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).
Results: The reduction of the total MRS II score under black cohosh treatment 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 very good or good. As a result, the researchers consider black cohosh extract a reasonable treatment approach in Tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with predominantly psychovegetative symptoms.
Indication: Menopause symptoms (in breast cancer patients taking Tamoxifen)
Source: Gynecol Endocrinol, Jan 13, 2011:[Epub ahead of print].
Research: The anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the anti-estrogen Tamoxifen often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints. As estrogen substitution is contraindicated, herbal alternatives, such as extracts of black cohosh, are often used. Researchers at the Institute of Complementary Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, conducted a prospective observational study in 50 breast cancer patients undergoing Tamoxifen treatment. 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 therapy using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).
Results: The reduction of the total MRS II score under black cohosh treatment 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 very good or good. As a result, the researchers consider black cohosh extract a reasonable treatment approach in Tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with predominantly psychovegetative symptoms.