Butterbur, a plant with a long history of traditional use, has garnered contemporary interest for its potential applications. This article explores the plant’s characteristics, its studied health applications, and important safety considerations for anyone contemplating its use.
Understanding Butterburr
Butterbur, scientifically known as Petasites hybridus, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to regions across Europe and northern Asia, and has been introduced to North America. This plant typically thrives in moist, fertile soils, often found near rivers, streams, and in wet meadows, where its large, round leaves can reach diameters of 40-70 cm.
Historically, butterbur has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a folk remedy for various ailments. The plant contains active compounds called petasins, including petasin, isopetasin, and neopetasin, which are thought to contribute to its observed effects.
Therapeutic Applications
Butterbur is most commonly recognized and studied for its potential in preventing migraines and alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Petasins, the active compounds in butterbur, are believed to contribute to these effects through their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These compounds can reduce the synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and histamines, which play roles in both migraine attacks and allergic reactions.
For migraine prevention, a specific butterbur root extract has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in adults and children. For allergic rhinitis, studies suggest that butterbur extract can be as effective as some conventional antihistamines, such as cetirizine, in relieving symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes, often with fewer sedating side effects. Beyond these primary uses, butterbur has also been traditionally employed for respiratory issues like asthma and coughs, and for gastrointestinal complaints, though scientific support for these applications is less extensive.
Safety Considerations
A significant safety concern with raw butterbur is the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be harmful to the liver and potentially carcinogenic. PAs are metabolized in the liver into toxic compounds that can damage liver cells, leading to conditions like veno-occlusive liver disease. Due to these risks, it is advised to only use butterbur products that are specifically processed to remove PAs and are labeled or certified as “PA-free”.
Even with PA-free products, some mild side effects have been reported, generally including gastrointestinal upset, such as belching, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. Other less common side effects might include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, like ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies, may experience allergic reactions to butterbur. While PA-free butterbur products appear to be well-tolerated for up to 16 weeks of oral use in studies, rare cases of liver injury have been associated with products claimed to be PA-free, highlighting the importance of careful selection and consultation with a healthcare professional.
Choosing and Using Butterburr
When selecting a butterbur product, prioritize those explicitly labeled as “PA-free” or “PA-reduced” to mitigate the risk of pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity. This designation indicates that the harmful compounds have been largely removed during processing. Look for standardized extracts, which ensure a consistent amount of active compounds, particularly petasins, in each dose.
Typical daily dosage recommendations for adults range from 100 to 150 mg of a standardized extract, often divided into two or three doses. For children aged 6-9, a dose of 25 mg twice daily has been used, while those aged 9-13 may use 50 mg twice daily for migraine prevention. Before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure its suitability and to discuss potential interactions.