Black cohosh warning.Black cohosh black cohosh see actaeaspicata. , an herbal extract Herbal extract is a liquid solution of herbs and alcohol. The dried or fresh herbs are combined with alcohol, then the solid matter is removed leaving only the oils of the herbs mixed with the alcohol. This process is called extraction, hence the name, herbal extract. that many women take to treat menopausal symptoms, may make breast cancer more likely to spread, says a new animal study. In research funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, mice given black cohosh (at a dose comparable to 40 mg per day in women) were no more likely to get breast tumors than mice given a placebo. However, tumors were more likely to metastasize me·tas·ta·size v. To be transmitted or transferred by or as if by metastasis. Metastasize Spread of cells from the original site of the cancer to other parts of the body where secondary tumors are formed. to the lungs in the mice that were fed black cohosh. A second study, in test tubes, suggests that black cohosh may increase the side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. of chemotherapy (with Adriamycin and Taxotere). What to do: Don't assume that supplements touted as alternatives to estrogen are safe (or effective). Since no one can be sure that they don't have an undetected breast tumor, don't take black cohosh until more research is done. Proc. Amer. Assoc. Cancer Res. 44: Abst. No. 2721, R910, 2003. |
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