November 23, 2004 – There is hope for the potential of butterbur extract (Petasites hybridus) to treat hay fever, asthma and migraine, according to a recent report from Natural Standard1.
From the outset, it should be noted that the conclusions of the 24 studies listed are not all convincing. Indeed, several of them concerned a small number of participants and were based on a methodology that was sometimes flawed. But some results still justify larger clinical trials to be conducted, judge Natural Standard.
Regarding the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), two studies with a placebo group, published in 2004, show contradictory results. The first study compared, with 16 participants, the effects of butterbur with those of a drug based on fexofenadine – and a placebo -, to relieve the symptoms of allergies (nasal congestion, tearing). Butterbur and fexofenadine have shown similar efficacy. In the second study which explored the antihistamine action of butterbur, it was no more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of intermittent allergic rhinitis.
The Natural Standard report also highlights an open, non-randomized, prospective trial, which concludes that butterbur can treat asthma effectively and without adverse effects for patients.
Finally, a recent clinical trial conducted with 33 participants corroborates studies which tend to show that butterbur could decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.2.
In Europe, the medicinal properties of butterbur have been used for hundreds of years. In the XVIIe century, it was prescribed for coughs, asthma and skin wounds. Its antispasmodic action would explain the many medicinal uses that have been made of it. Its anti-allergic properties have recently been discovered and are the subject of a growing number of studies.
Marie france Coutu– PasseportSanté.net
1. Butterbur root extract: new evidence in inflammation, allergic rhinitis, a sthma and migraine, Natural Standard: news, September 2004. The report is available at www.naturalstandard.com [site payant, consulté le 23 novembre 2004].
2. See our fact sheet on butterbur.
