Study: Black Cohosh May Increase Toxicity of Chemotherapy Drugs

Black cohosh, the herbal remedy some women take to ward off the symptoms of menopause, may not be a good idea for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to Yale University researchers.

The researchers said that in a new laboratory study, black cohosh appeared to increase the toxicity of the widely used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and docetaxel (Taxotere).

This could be a matter of serious concern, because some chemotherapy drugs, including Adriamycin, are used in doses that are close to toxicity limits.

Dr. Sara Rockwell said her group grew breast cancer cells in culture and then exposed them to three different black cohosh products in concentrations found in drug stores.

Then they exposed the cells to radiation or to three chemotherapy drugs commonly used in treating breast cancer patients. -- Adriamycin, Taxotere, and cisplatin.

In the radiation experiment, the researchers saw no changes in the breast cancer cells exposed to black cohosh. And the herbal remedy also did not appear to affect the toxicity of cisplatin. It also did not affect the breast cancer cells in the absence of chemotherapy drugs.

The findings were scheduled for presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research's 94th Annual Meeting.

Other sources: American Association for Cancer Research