Butterbur Root Profile
Also known as- Petasites hybridus, Lagwort, Plague-flower, Butterdock, Butterfly Dock, Butter-dock, Bog Rhubarb, Flapperdock, Umbrella leaves, and Bogshorns,
Introduction
Butterbur root has been used medicinally since at least the Middle Ages, when it was suggested as one of the few cures for the plague. During Colonial times, housewives often used the enormous leaves to wrap around butter to keep it cool and fresh. The plant is native to the wet. Marshy lands of Europe and Northern Asia. One variety also is native to North America.
Traditionally, butterbur has been used to treat fever, wheezing and colds, as an antispasmodic to help ease menstrual cramping, as a heart stimulant and as a treatment for the plague. There is also history of its use to treat worms and kidney/urinary tract stones. Modern research suggests that butterbur root extract may be useful in treating the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis (allergies) and prevent migraines.
Constituents
Pyrrolizidine type alkaloids, mainly senecionine and integerrimine; flavonoids, including quercetin, astragalan and isoquercitrin; petasin, neopetasin; tannins; mucilage; volatile oil; sesquiterpene
Parts Used
Root (rhizome)
Typical Preparations
Ethanolic (alcohol) or lipophilic (oil) extractions; Not recommended for use in teas or infusions.
Summary
While early studies on the use of butterbur for easing the symptoms of seasonal allergies show promising results, the research is not sufficient to draw a firm conclusion in its favor. There have been studies of the effectiveness of butterbur root extract on the symptoms of asthma, which are again, promising, but further study is necessary. In at least one study, people who reported a history of migraines had significantly fewer migraines than a control group given a placebo, and those migraines that they did get were shorter and less severe. In Germany, butterbur extract is approved for the treatment of spasmodic urinary pain, particularly when there are stones present.
Overall, modern research seems to support the traditional uses of butterbur root extract, but further research, particularly large, randomized, double blind studies, are needed.
Precautions
Butterbur extract seems well-tolerated when taken in doses that don't exceed 1 mcg daily, and for periods of no more than 4-6 weeks. There have been some reports of liver damage associated with the use of butterbur root extract. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
