The Clinical Research Of Black Cohosh Extract In Breast Cancer Patients With Climacteric Complatints

Objective:Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy often induce or aggravate menopausal complaints in breast cancer patients. As estrogen substitution is contraindicated, herbal alternatives, e.g. extracts of black cohosh are often used. Methods:This study was carried out in 15 breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints. All patients had had surgery and chemotherapy,12patients had received endocrine therapy. Every patient was treated with an extract of black cohosh for 1 month. Patients recorded their complaints before therapy and after 1 months of therapy. Results:The climacteric complaints and syndrome of TCM in breast cancer patients are all improved(P<0.01), hot flash and sweating,the most significant. One patient reported gastrointestinal upset and one patient reported a slight short-time headache, which were improved by changing the time of the medication. In all,15 patients reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as very good or good. Conclusions:Black cohosh extract seems to be a effective treatment approach in breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints, and it's safe and tolerable.