Investigating the Mechanism of Action of
Cimicifuga racemosa
Diana Rohlman, Dr. David Brown
Marietta College Biology Department
Interestingly, the CR also inhibited cell growth, at all but the lowest concentration, which is
similar to what has been observed in previous studies.2 In Figure 2A and B, it is possible to see fewer
cells at a 100% CR concentration, versus a 25% concentration. In comparison, Figure 2C shows the
inhibitory action of 17-estradiol (1x10-7M). There appear to be fewer cells at 25%CR than in the 17estradiol, which seems to support the results obtained from the Bradford reaction.
While CR did inhibit MCF-7 cell growth at high concentrations (Figure 5), the results are
questionable as the positive and negative controls failed to produce the expected results. While this data
does support the hypothesis that CR could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth, it does not explain the
mechanism of action. It is feasible that CR could still be binding to either ER or ER to cause such an
antagonistic effect, much like Tamoxifen, or CR could have an inhibitive effect via another pathway.
Introduction
Cell Culture
MCF-7 cells were obtained from the American Cell Culture Type Collection, and cultured in
Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles Medium (Sigma-Aldrich) without phenol red and supplemented with 5%
fetal calf serum (Sigma-Aldrich), 1% penicillin-streptomycin (Sigma-Aldrich) and 0.584 g/L Lglutamine (Sigma-Aldrich). The cells were cultured in 75 cm2 flasks at 37°C and 5% CO2. These
conditions were also used for the proliferation assays.
Proliferation Assay
For the proliferation assays, fetal calf serum (FCS) was stripped with dextran-coated charcoal. The
charcoal stripped fetal calf serum (CS-FCS) was used in all proliferation assays.
The CS-FCS was prepared by mixing dextran-coated charcoal (Sigma-Aldrich) with FCS, and
incubating the mixture in a water bath at 56C for 2x45 minutes, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10
minutes and the resulting suspension sterile filtered through a 0.22m filter (Sigma-Aldrich).2
Cells were plated on a 96-well plate at 10,000 cells per well (200l; 0.1% EtOH) and dosed with
17-estradiol (1x10-8M).6,8,9 After 48 hours, the medium was removed, and the wells washed with 50µl
phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The PBS was removed, and replaced with non-estrogen-containing
medium (200µl/well) for an additional 48 hours.9
The cells were then dosed with 17-estradiol (1x10-7 M– 1x10-12M), Tamoxifen (1x10-6M– 1x1011M), or Cimicifuga racemosa (100%, 85, 70. 55, 40, and 25%). 17-Estradiol and Tamoxifen were
both used as controls, as 17-Estradiol is a known stimulator of MCF-7 cells, and Tamoxifen is known
to inhibit cell growth.
1.8
1.6
Absorbency (562 nm)
1.4
1.2
C
Figure 2. MCF-7 cells on day 10 of proliferation assay. 10x magnification. Scale bar = 100µm.
A - Cimicifuga racemosa at 100% concentration. B - Cimicifuga racemosa at 25% concentration.
C - 17b-Estradiol 1x10-7 M.
0.5
0.45
To examine synergistic activity, Cimicifuga racemosa was tested at a variety of concentrations in either 1x10-8M 17-estradiol or
1x10-6M Tamoxifen.
The interaction between 17-estradiol and Tamoxifen was also examined, with Tamoxifen concentrations (1x10-6M– 1x1011M) tested at a steady 1x10-8M 17-estradiol concentration. This also served as a control to test the possible inhibitory effects of CR.
After 6 days, the medium was removed, and the wells washed with PBS. The cells were then lysed with a standard lysis solution (TrisHCL, 06057g; 1% Triton X-100; Sodium deoxycholate, 0.2g; SDS, 0.2g; EDTA, 0.2 ml). Per the methods of Bradford et al, the
average protein concentrations per well were determined by recording the absorbance at 562nm on a Thermo Spectronic
spectrophotometer.1 This gave the average amount of protein per well, not the number of cells per well. The protein levels were used
in place of actual cell counts to quantify the growth of the cell cultures. The data were then analyzed using a Student’s t-test.
Preparation of Chemicals
The CR extract was prepared from capsules obtained from Vitamin World. Capsules contained 540 mg of CR root material
(suggested daily dose) in a gelatin casing. The capsule was broken open and the gelatin casing discarded. The contents of 5 capsules
(2.672g) were extracted with 5 volumes of 50% EtOH (13.36 ml) for 24 hours. The CR dilutions (100%, 85, 70. 55, 40, and 25%)
were also prepared in 50% EtOH.
Both the 17ß-Estradiol and Tamoxifen (Sigma-Aldrich) were prepared as 1x10-8M and 1x10-6M stock solutions in 50%
EtOH, respectively. These stock solutions were used to form the dilution series used in the proliferation assays.
0.5
0.5
0.45
0.45
*
0.4
*
*
0.4
*
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
*
*
*
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
1.00E-09
1.00E-08
1.00E-07
17B-Estradiol (M )
Figure 3. Dose response curve of 17ß-Estradiol on MCF-7 cells.
Cells dosed at day 6 of proliferation assay. All data shown with mean
± SD; n = 8. *p < 0.05 compared to EtOH control (Student’s t-test).
Ethanol
1.00E-11
1.00E-10
1.00E-09
1.00E-08
1.00E-07
100,000
200,000
MCF-7 cell concentration per well
Figure 1. Testing the Bradford Reaction at known concentrations of
MCF-7 cells. Cells incubated for 24 hour in a 96-well plate, then lysed and
treated with BCA Reagent. Absorbency recorded using a Thermo
Spectronic spectrophotometer.
Ethanol
100
25
Cimicifuga racemosa concentration (%)
Figure 5. Cimicifuga racemosa extract at various doses. All data
shown with mean ± SD; n = 8. *p < 0.05 compared to control
(Student’s t-test).
It has been hypothesized that CR may act upon the hypothalamus to alleviate hot flashes and
night sweats.13 This suggests that CR may be a SERM compound if it mimics estrogen in some organs,
yet not others. The MCF-7 cell assay does not provide definitive proof for the estrogenic potential of a
compound, yet it can be used effectively to evaluate several compounds at once in one tissue type.
A third hypothesis, postulated by Hostanksa et al, evaluated the apoptotic effect of CR upon cell
lines.4 CR may stimulate apoptosis in cells, resulting in inhibition. This theory is supported by this study,
as the cell plating density did not appear to be a factor for the cells dosed with CR. This suggests that CR
may be actively inhibiting cells by such a pathway as apoptosis.
Future Experiments
As shown in Figure 6, a cell density of 5,000 cells per well (200µl) appears to be the best initial
plating density. At 10,000 cells per well there is no significant difference between dosing the cells with
17ß-Estradiol or Tamoxifen. At both 2,000 and 5,000 cells per well however, a significant difference is
noted. Therefore, future experiments should investigate the effect of plating various cell densities.
Furthermore, an alternative form of quantifying cells should be used. A Coulter counter or a
hemocytometer may be more accurate when dealing with small samples of protein, and less susceptible
to “noise.”
Tamoxifen (M )
Figure 4. Dose response curve of Tamoxifen on MCF-7 cells.
Cells dosed at day 6 of proliferation assay. All data shown with
mean ± SD; n = 8. *p < 0.05 compared to EtOH control (Student’s
t-test).
*
0.35
*
*
*
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2000
An MCF-7 cell proliferation assay was used in an attempt to determine the mechanism of action of Cimicifuga racemosa. A
modification of the Bradford reaction was used to quantify the cells, using BCA reagents in place of the Bradford reagent.
Initial experimentation with the BCA reagent showed that varying cell densities could be accurately determined (Figure 1). For
these experiments, cells were plated at various concentrations (25,000-200,000 cells/well). These concentrations were chosen to reflect the
expected cell concentrations after the 10-day proliferation assay. After 24 hours, the cells were lysed, transferred to a cuvette with 1ml BCA
reagent and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. The Bradford reaction was then conducted to quantify protein levels.
In the actual proliferation assays, the positive control (17-estradiol) did not stimulate MCF-7 cell growth. At higher
concentrations, 17-estradiol actually inhibited cell growth (Figure 3). This was unexpected, as 17-estradiol has been shown in previous
studies to stimulate cell growth at the concentrations used.2 Cell plating density was investigated to determine if this was a contributing
factor. As seen in Figure 6, at 10,000 cells per well there was no significant difference between 17-estradiol and Tamoxifen, yet there were
significant differences at cell plating densities. 17-estradiol (1x10-8M) stimulated cell growth, while Tamoxifen (1x10-6M) inhibited cell
growth at low densities. This suggests that the initial cell plating density was too high, and may have contributed to the unexpected results.
The negative control (Tamoxifen) consistently inhibited cell growth (Figure 4) at higher concentrations. However, this conflicts
with previous research that showed a stimulatory effect at 1x10-7M Tamoxifen.2 Again, the initial cell plating density appears to be a factor
in these results.
Acknowledgements: Dr. David Brown, capstone advisor; Dr. Peter Hogan, capstone class
advisor; Dr. Kevin Pate for help in the CR ethanol extraction; 2007 Senior Biology Capstone
Class, in particular: Mindi Littleton, Andrea Marion, and Mike Braun.
5000
10000
MCF-7 cell concentration per well
Results and Discussion
0.4
50,000
Medium
1.00E-06
0.6
25,000
0
0.40
Medium
0.8
0
0.05
0
1.00E-10
40
0.1
0.45
1.00E-11
55
0.15
0.50
1.00E-12
70
**
0.2
0.05
Ethanol
85
**
0.25
0.05
Medium
**
**
0.3
0.1
0
**
0.35
0.1
1
0.2
Absorbency (562 nm)
0.4
Absorbency (562 nm)
Materials and Methods
B
Absorbency (562 nm)
Hypothesis: Cimicifuga racemosa will have an inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells.
Cell growth will be compared to the controls (medium and ethanol). 17ß-Estradiol and Tamoxifen
will act as positive and negative controls, respectively.
A
Absorbency (562 nm)
In recent years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has come under scrutiny for potential side
effects, such as stimulating breast cancer. Traditionally HRT has been used to treat the symptoms of
menopause. However, with these concerns about HRT, herbal medicines, such as Black Cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa) have been introduced as a potentially safe alternative. This study seeks to
elucidate the mechanism of action by which black cohosh has its effect.
HRT (estrogen treatment) has been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, which include night
sweats, hot flashes and mood swings. However, in women with a history of estrogen-dependent tumors,
or a family history of breast cancer, HRT is avoided as a link has been established between breast
cancer and postmenopausal HRT.2,4,13 Cimicifuga racemosa (CR; black cohosh) has been used to
relieve these symptoms and appears to be an effective5,13 and safe alternative.4 However, it is
hypothesized that CR may contain estrogenic compounds, and alleviate symptoms via the same
pathway as HRT. Should this be true, the risks associated with HRT may also be true for CR.
Two theories concerning the mechanism of action of CR have been proposed; one, that CR acts via
an estrogen receptor (ER), much like HRT, or two, that CR exhibits SERM (selective estrogen receptor
modulator) activity.2,5
There are two known estrogen receptors in the human; ER and ER. Jarry et al have
demonstrated that a CR extract does not bind to either ER or ER, strongly suggesting that CR does
not act via an estrogen receptor.5 However, a third ER, designated ER, has been identified in Atlantic
croaker fish.3 As CR appears to exhibit estrogen-like qualities (cessation of hot flashes, night sweats
and mood swings), it has been hypothesized that though CR does not act through either ER or ER, it
may act via ERto cause the observed estrogenic effects.
Alternatively, a SERM compound would both stimulate and inhibit estrogen effects at various
concentrations.7 The opposing actions (stimulatory or inhibitory) of these SERM compounds depend on
the target tissue (breast, uterus, bone).7 This hypothesis is supported by current research, which has
shown CR to inhibit estrogen-dependent cell lines, while still appearing to have an estrogenic effect, as
evidenced by the alleviation of hot flashes seen in ovariectomized rats and double-blind placebo-based
clinical trials.5,7,11,12
To investigate the mechanism of action of CR, an MCF-7 cell proliferation assay, originally
developed by Soto et al, was used.10 Using such an assay, it can be determined if CR is an estrogen
mimic by analyzing the cell growth, or proliferation of these estrogen-dependent cells.10
Tamoxifen (1E-6 M)
17B-Estradiol (1E-8 M)
Figure 6. MCF-7 cell plating density. (n = 16: 17ß-Estradiol; n = 8:
Tamoxifen) All data shown with mean ± SD. *p < 0.05 17ß-Estradiol
compared to Tamoxifen.
Conclusion
Cimicifuga racemosa was shown to inhibit MCF-7 cells at all but the lowest concentration, yet
the positive and negative controls were ineffectual, most likely due to the initial cell plating density. This
suggests that, as CR did have a consistently inhibitory effect at high concentrations, the extract may be
killing MCF-7 cells. Such an occurrence could occur via cytotoxicity, apoptosis, or other undetermined
pathways. The exact mechanism of action of CR cannot be determined, and will require further
experimentation.
Works Cited
1. Bradford MM. (1976) Anal. Biochem. 72: 248-254.
2. Bodinet C, Freudenstein J. (2002) Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 76: 1-10.
3. Hawkins MB, Thornton JW, Crews D, Skipper JK, Dotte A, Thomas P. (2000) Proc. Nat’l Acad. of Sciences USA 97(20): 10751-10756.
4. Hostanksa K, Nisslein T, Freudenstein J, Reichling J, Saller R. (2004) Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 84: 151-160.
5. Jarry H, Metten M, Spengler B, Christoffel V, Wuttke W. (2003) Maturitas 44(Supplement 1): S31-S38.
6. Jones PA, Baker VA, Irwin A, Earl LK. (1997) Toxicology in Vitro 11:769-773.
7. Muñoz GH, Pluchino S. (2003) Maturitas 44(Supplement 1): S59-S65.
8. Payne J, Jones C, Lakhani S, Kortenkamp A. (2000) The Science of the Total Environment 248: 51-62.
9. Rasmussen TH, Nielsen JB. (2002) Biomarkers 7(4): 322-336.
10. Soto AM, Sonnenschein C, Chung KL, Fernandez MF, Olea N, Serrano FO. (1995) Environ. Health Perspect.103(Supplement 7): 113-122.
11. Vermes G, Bánhidy F, Ács N. (2005) Advances in Therapy 22(2): 148-154.
12. Winterhoff H, Spengler B, Christoffel V, Butterweck V, Löhning A. (2003) Maturitas 44(Supplement 1): S51-S58.
13. Wuttke W, Seidlová-Wuttke D, Gorkow C. (2003) Maturitas 44(Supplement 1): S67-S77.