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Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial plant native to North America and a member of the buttercup family. Remedies of black cohosh, which are prepared from the roots and rhizomes, were used historically for gynecological conditions, kidney disorders, malaria, cough, malaise, and constipation.
Research has identified a substance called fukinolic acid as having estrogenic activity in vitro. (Kruse 1999) The herb also contains other active compounds, including triterpene glycosides, resins, and isoferulic acid. (Mills 2000) Black cohosh is also believed to contain phytoestrogens, which may help reduce estrogen in the body. (University of Maryland)
Black cohosh may have a role in prostate cancer as well. At the University of Gottingen, scientists evaluated the impact of black cohosh extract on human prostate cancer cells in mice. Following inoculation with 1 million prostate cancer cells, 12 of 18 mice developed tumors, while only 5 of 18 mice treated with black cohosh developed tumors. The tumors in the five treated mice were significantly smaller than those in the nontreated mice. (Seidlova-Wuttke 2006)
In a subsequent study at the University of Gottingen, investigators isolated a substance called petasiphenone from black cohosh. In the lab, they found that petasiphenone inhibited growth of human prostate cancer cells. (Jarry 2007)
Black cohosh extracts are standardized to contain triterpene saponins, which typically appears on the label as 26-deoxyactein. Before taking black cohosh, men should consult their physician.
References
Jarry H et al. Petasiphenone, a phenol isolated from Cimicifuga racemosa, in vitro inhibits proliferation of the human prostate cancer cell line LNaP. Planta Med 2007 Feb; 73(2): 184-87
Kruse SO et al. Fukiic and piscidic acid esters from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa and the in vitro estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid. Planta Medica 65: 763-764, 1999.
Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000: 303-9.
Seidlova-Wuttke D et al. Inhibitory effects of a black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) extract on prostate cancer. Planta Med 2006 May; 72(6): 521-26
