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butterbur (Petasites hybridus, butter dock, bog rhubarb, exwort, Petadolex)

Indications: 1) allergic rhinitis (hayfever) [1] 2) migraine prophylaxis [2] Dosage: 1) 8 mg (petasine*) PO QID 2) 75 mg PO BID (Petadolex) for migraine prophylaxis [3] * butterbur rhizome extract standardized to 15 mg of petasin constituents Adverse effects: 1) mild GI upset, belching - pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in the Petasites plant are hepatoxic & carcinogenic - use only butterbur preparations in which these have been removed [2]

General

pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical

References

  1. Journal Watch 22(6):45, 2002 Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ. 2002 Jan 19;324(7330):144-6. PMID: 11799030
  2. Journal Watch 25(3):29, 2005 Lipton RB, Gobel H, Einhaupl KM, Wilks K, Mauskop A. Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. Neurology. 2004 Dec 28;63(12):2240-4. PMID: 15623680
  3. Prescriber's Letter 12(4): 2005 Supplements for Migraine Detail-Document#: 210414 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com