Butterbur spells relief for migraines

Let's Live Online

Page 50

February 2004

by Laurel Vukovic

Discover the herb that has been used to treat and prevent migraines in Germany for more than 30 years.

If you suffer from migraine headaches, an extract of the herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) may ward off future attacks of pain. A moisture-loving plant, butterbur grows in marshes and by rivers in Europe, northern Asia and parts of North America. Prior to refrigeration, the herb's leaves were used to wrap and preserve butter in hot weather (hence, its name). Butterbur has been used throughout history for asthma, whooping cough, fever, intestinal colic and as a poultice for wounds. It is gaining in popularity today, though, because of its positive effects on migraines.

Studies on the Herb

Researchers have found two active ingredients in butterbur -- petasin and isopetasin. Together, these substances help reduce spasms in cerebral blood vessels and inhibit the production of leukotrienes, compounds that trigger inflammation of blood vessels. This defuses a migraine because these intensely painful headaches occur when cerebral blood vessels contract and then expand, stimulating pain receptors.

In a recent double-blind study in the journal of Neurology, scientists gave 202 migraine sufferers either 50 or 75 mg of butterbur or a placebo twice daily. After three months, those taking 50 mg twice daily of butterbur had 34% fewer migraines than usual, and subjects taking 75 mg twice daily of the herb reported 48% fewer migraines. The group taking placebo showed only a 26% decrease in migraine attacks.

In another study in the journal Headache, 58 patients were given either 50 mg of butterbur or a placebo twice daily. The group taking the herb had 50% fewer migraines after 12 weeks, while the placebo group had only a 10% reduction in headaches.

The Most Effective Dose

To reduce the frequency of migraines, take a 50-mg capsule of butterbur two to three times daily with food, for a total daily dosage of 100 to 150 mg. You should notice a reduction in migraines within one month, but the longest-lasting results generally occur after four to six months of use. After four to six months, stop taking the herb. You should continue to see the benefits. (If your headaches recur, resume taking butterbur for another four to six months.)

Butterbur has proven to be safe in trials, with only occasional stomach upset reported. Only use capsules with the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) removed, or with a daily maximum dose of no more than 1 mcg of PAs. (PAs are toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals contained in butterbur that can damage the liver if not removed.) Consult your doctor before taking butterbur if you are pregnant, nursing, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Laurel Vukovic is an herbalist and the author of User's Guide to Women's Health Supplements (Basic Health Publications, Inc., 2002) and other books.

Selected References

Lipton, R. Gobel, H. Wilks, K et al "Efficacy of petasites (an extract from petasites rhizome) 50 and 75 mg for prophylaxis of migraine: Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study" Neurology (2002) 58; A472

Mauskop, A. Grossman, W. Schmmidramsl, H. et al "Petasites hybridus (butterbur root) extract is effective in the prophlaxis of migraines: Results of a randomized, double-blind trial" Headache (2000) 40: 420