The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 221,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2011 in the United States, and more than 156,000 individuals will die from the disease. While no cure for this cancer exists, there are treatments available. Many individuals with cancer may take herbal supplements like black cohosh during treatment. Before using black cohosh, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to take.
Black Cohosh
The root of the black cohosh plant has been an herbal remedy for more than 200 years, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Its uses include helping relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, night sweats and vaginal dryness. It may also reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and slow down bone loss, preventing osteoporosis, although more research is needed in these areas. The standard dosage of black cohosh tablets is between 40 to 80 mg daily, with each tablet standardized to have 1 mg of 27-deoxyactein.
Lung Cancer
The two kinds of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, or SCLC, and non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC. The exact diagnosis depends on how the cells look microscopically. Common symptoms of lung cancer are a persistent cough, constant chest pain, coughing up blood and trouble breathing. To diagnose lung cancer, your doctor may order a chest X-ray, a CT scan and tests to take a sample of tissue, like a bronchoscopy. Treatment for the disease depends on the extent of the cancer and your general health, but may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
Effects of Black Cohosh on Lung Cancer
A 2008 study in "Cancer Research" by researchers in the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Duquesne University found that black cohosh increased the incidence of lung metastases in mice with breast cancer tumors. The lung metastases were not lung cancer, however; they were breast cancer tumors that spread to the lungs. Due to a lack of research on lung cancer and black cohosh, talk with your doctor before using this supplement, to ensure it is appropriate for you.
Considerations
Before taking any supplements, talk with your oncologist about whether they are safe for you to consume during and after treatment. Tell her about any other drugs you are taking, to avoid adverse interactions with black cohosh.
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