Butterbur (Petasites) Extract for Migraine Prevention
Symptoms Studied
Episodic migraines occurring 2-6 times per month, with pulsating headache, nausea, photophobia and/or phonophobia. Attacks lasting hours to days without treatment.
Research Hypothesis
Butterbur's petasin and isopetasin compounds reduce inflammation and have antispasmodic effects on cerebral blood vessels by blocking CGRP signaling.
Intervention Tested
Butterbur Root Extract (Petadolex)
75mg Petasites hybridus root extract (PA-free) twice daily (150mg total), taken with meals. Must use pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free preparations.
Study Results
Before Treatment
Adults with migraine (IHS criteria) experiencing 2-6 attacks per month over the preceding 3 months.
After Treatment
48% reduction in migraine frequency at 150mg/day vs 26% for placebo (p=0.0012). Over 70% of high-dose patients achieved 50% or greater reduction in attacks.
Timeline to Improvement
Benefits observed within first month, with maximum effect by 3-4 months
Side Effects
Burping (eructation) most common. IMPORTANT: Only use PA-free preparations due to hepatotoxicity risk with pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Source
- Butterbur (Petasites) Extract for Migraine Prevention
Lipton RB, et al. Neurology. 2004;63(12):2240-2244
Conclusion
Butterbur extract (PA-free) at 150mg/day is highly effective for migraine prophylaxis, but ONLY pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free preparations should be used.
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