Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) is a smooth (glabrous) herbaceous perennial plant of the family Ranunculaceae. The aim of this study was to overview anti-breast cancer and estrogenic potential of Actaea racemosa. This review article was carried out by searching studies in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases. Its anti-breast cancer activity is related to their triterpene glycoside composition. It is commonly used for its anti-breast cancer and anti-menopausal activity due to compounds that bind and activate serotonin receptors, and a derivative of serotonin with high affinity to serotonin receptors. Findings showed that compounds from Cimicifuga types may be useful in the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer. The results suggest caution for women using black cohosh, peculiarly for extensible periods of time. Regarding to estrogenic activity, although, Black cohosh reduced the GCS total score and all GCS subscale scores (vasomotor, psychiatric, physical, and sexual symptoms), it was reported not to be estrogenic. The results from this review are quite promising for the use of Actaea racemosa as an anti-breast cancer agent. Although, Black cohosh reduced the GCS total score and all GCS subscale scores (vasomotor, psychiatric, physical, and sexual symptoms), it was reported not to be estrogenic.
