Butterbur is a shrub-like herb native to regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Also known as Petasites hybridus, butterbur is rich in compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids and sesquiterpene esters, one of which, petasin, confers anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. It is used as an alternative remedy for several conditions, including migraine, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Talk to your doctor before using it to treat any medical condition to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.
Anti-Asthmatic Effects
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing. It occurs when the airways become inflamed as a result of breathing in a "trigger," or allergen. Butterbur has anti-inflammatory effects and may help to relieve asthma symptoms, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In addition, results of a clinical study published in the March 2004 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review" show that lung function improved in patients who were treated with butterbur for two months. It also reduced the severity of asthma attacks.
Migraine Prevention
Results of a small clinical trial published in the January 2004 issue of "European Neurology" found that butterbur reduced the frequency of migraine attacks, leading authors H.C. Diener et al. to conclude that butterbur may be effective in preventing migraines. Data from another clinical trial, published in the December 2004 issue of "Neurology," also found that taking 75 mg of butterbur daily is effective preventive therapy for migraine.
Allergic Rhinitis Relief
Several studies have found that butterbur may also help to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, a respiratory condition characterized by sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes that affects people sensitive to airborne allergens such as pollen and pet dander. This condition affects some people year-round, while others are only affected in certain months of the year. The results of a clinical trial published in the January 2002 issue of "BMJ" found that the effects of butterbur are similar to those of the anti-inflammatory drug cetirizine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Safety Considerations
Using butterbur for up to four months is likely safe for most people, according to RxList, but side effects may include diarrhea, fatigue and itching. Ensure you choose a butterbur supplement that states that pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been removed because these chemicals may cause serious side effects including lung damage. Don't use butterbur if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have a liver disease.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Butterbur
- "Aternative Medicine Reviews"; Petasites Hybridus (Butterbur Root) Extract in the Treatment of Asthma--An Open Trial; U.C. Danesch; March 2004
- "European Neurology"; The First Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Special Butterbur Root Extract for the Prevention of Migraine: Reanalysis of Efficacy Criteria; H.C. Diener et al.; January 2004
- "Neurology"; Petasites hybridus Root (Butterbur) is An Effective Preventive Treatment for Migraine; R.B. Lipton et al.; December 2004
- "BMJ"; Randomised Controlled Trial of Butterbur and Cetirizine for Treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis; A. Schapowal; January 2002
- RxList: Butterbur
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