Category Archives: Black/Blue Cohosh

CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is a liver enzyme responsible for the metabolism of approximately 30% of all drugs.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock studied the effect of CYP2D6 on the metabolism of several herbal supplements and the risk of drug interactions. Continue reading CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions

Fish oil lowers risk of breast of cancer

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington tell us, “There have been no prospective studies of the association between the long-term use of these supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and others] and breast cancer risk….” until now.

This and other recent breakthroughs are summarized below. Continue reading Fish oil lowers risk of breast of cancer

Risk of taking herbals in people with heart disease

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and Arizona collaborated to review the risks of herbal:drug interactions.

The abstract is a bit skimpy on details, but the American Pharmaceutical Association has a nice summary, which will be summarized further here. Continue reading Risk of taking herbals in people with heart disease

The Training and Cimicifuega racemosa Erlangen study

Researchers from the University of Erlangen, in Germany studied the effect of adding black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to exercise.

They were looking for evidence of greater benefit with black cohosh over exercise alone in bone mineral density and coronary heart disease risk during early post menopause. Continue reading The Training and Cimicifuega racemosa Erlangen study

Key points about commonly used herbals

Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio has written a continuing education article on herbals.

Here are the author’s take-away points, with additional references added. Continue reading Key points about commonly used herbals

Herbals and lead levels in Americans

The relationship between supplements and lead levels in blood has been an ongoing project for researchers in Boston.

In this study, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report specific herbal supplements are associated with higher blood lead levels among women. Continue reading Herbals and lead levels in Americans