Effects of black cohosh on estrogen biosynthesis in normal breast tissue in vitro

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of black cohosh on the estrogen biosynthesis in the breast in vitro. Methods: Steroid sulfatase (STS) activity was studied in normal breast tissue obtained from pre-and postmenopausal women undergoing reduction mammoplasty. STS protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Breast tissue was incubated in vitro without or with black cohosh (iCR) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/ml to 1 ng/ml. STS activity was evaluated by incubating homogenized breast tissue with [ 3 H]-estrone sulfate, separating the formed products, estrone (E 1 ) and estradiol (E 2 ), by thin layer chromatography and measuring the amounts of E 1 and E 2 by scintillation counting. Results: STS protein expression and enzymatic activity were detected in all specimens investigated. In all groups, significantly more E 1 than E 2 was produced. Local estrogen formation was decreased in premenopausal breast tissue by treatment with iCR at 0.1 mg/ml (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: iCR decreases local estrogen formation in normal human breast tissue in vitro. This may contribute to the lack of hormonal effects of black cohosh in breast tissue observed in previous studies.

Effects of black cohosh on estrogen biosynthesis in hippocampus of non-human primates ex vivo in vitro and in human neuroblastoma cells in vitro

“…By "direct" incubation, we believe to obtain more valid information about regulation of the selected compounds at the level of the enzyme's catalytic activity. Our findings in brain are in agreement with previous studies in malignant breast cells and normal mammary gland, demonstrating an inhibitory effect on STS activity after "direct" incubation by iCR [18], E2 [15], T [19] and Org4094 [15], respectively.…”

The modern approach to the correction of menopausal disorders in women with physiological menopause and after ovariectomy

“…Cimicifuga dopaminergic effect via dopamine (D2) receptors and its serotonergic activity reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, causes anti-depressant effect and has a pronounced positive effect on sleep, reduction of dryness in vagina, positive effect on trophism of urinary bladder and muscular-articular symptoms [13]. Cimicifuga also leads to the increase of the activity of bone specifical alkaline phosphatase, indicating the activity of osteoblasts and hence to bone-protective effect [8,10]. The positive impact of the offered complex of treatment is confirmed by the assessment of clinical manifestations and post-ovariectomy syndrome (POS) and physiological menopause according to menopausal index uniting all above-studied symptom-complexes (Table 1).…”

“…Chemical components are a number of triterpenoids, derivatives of cinnamic acid and esters of inosine and fuknin acids. It has estrogen effect, as evidenced by lower level of luteinizing hormone [8], but Cimicifuga unlike phytoestrogens (isoflavones, ligands, kumestans) does not bind to estrogen receptors α and β [10,13]. Several biological properties of Cimicifuga allow us to consider it as phyto-selective modulators of estrogen receptors.…”

“…Several biological properties of Cimicifuga allow us to consider it as phyto-selective modulators of estrogen receptors. While the effect of phytoestrogens is several hundred times lower than 17-β estradiol [8]. Noofen is used as anti-hypoxant and as anti-anamnestic means.…”

“…The modern approach to the correction of menopausal disorders in women with physiological menopause and after ovariectomy -2/3 molecules possessing estrogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity [2,8,10]. The objective of the work.…”