title: Anti-proliferative effect of Klimaktoplan® on human breast cancer cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With the health concerns of menopausal hormone replacement therapy, alternatives have been sought. Klimaktoplan® is a homeopathic formulation consisting of four main components and has been used for relief of menopausal symptoms for a long time. The study investigated the safety of Klimaktoplan® through its effect on the proliferation of breast cancer (MCF-7) and non-malignant mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A).
  
  
  METHODS
  MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells were cultured in 312.5, 625, and 1,250 μg/ml Klimaktoplan®. 17-Beta estradiol (E2) and medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (MPA) were used for comparison with Klimaktoplan®. E2 only (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM), and the combination of E2 (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM) and MPA (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) were tested. Control cells for Klimaktoplan® and E2 groups were treated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and DMSO + ethanol was used for the combination group. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by the formation of insoluble formazan after incubation of 4 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Klimaktoplan® had a concentration-dependent anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells at 625 and 1,250 μg/ml, while not affecting proliferation of non-malignant mammary cells at any tested concentration. The effect of lactose was evaluated as lactose (the adjuvant of Klimaktoplan®) affect cell growth. E2 and lactose increased the proliferation of both malignant and non-malignant cells. The effect of E2 + MPA on the proliferation of malignant and non-malignant mammary cells was lower than estradiol only, but was higher than control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Klimaktoplan® has an anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells, but not for non-malignant mammary epithelial cells, unlike E2 and E2 + P. With further research, KP would be a good alternative or additive in women with menopausal symptoms who wish to avoid conventional E or E + P hormone therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1, Anam-dong 5-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Hoon
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Kyung Wook
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.forename: Hyun Tae
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jung Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jun Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hur
authors.forename: Sun Haeng
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Tak
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D031885:Cimicifuga; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D061986:MCF-7 Cells; D008593:Menopause; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D031681:Sanguinaria; D031451:Strychnos
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol