Butterbur Extract
Butterbur extract is a natural remedy derived from the shrub Petasites hybridus, which grows in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It has been used since the Middle Ages for various ailments such as plague, fever, cough, asthma, and skin wounds.
Butterbur extract is most commonly used to treat migraines and hay fever, but it has other potential uses as well. Some studies suggest that butterbur root or leaf extracts may be helpful for symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis). A placebo-controlled double-blind clinical study showed that patients with frequent migraines benefit from the butterbur root extract. One study suggested that a combination product containing butterbur might improve anxiety and depression in people with somatoform disorders.
The proper dosage of butterbur extract is 50-75 mg taken two to three times daily. However, it is important to note that some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can harm the liver and cause serious side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to use only PA-free butterbur extract, which is generally well-tolerated but can still cause side effects such as belching, headache, itchy eyes, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and upset stomach.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-649/butterbur
- https://www.rxlist.com/butterbur/generic-drug.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/butterbur.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319667
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-butterbur-safe-for-migraines-1719847
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/butterbur
