Butterbur is an ancient medicinal plant whose analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects were used in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was even used against the plague because of its diaphoretic effect. Its main potential lies in migraine prophylaxis, where it is becoming increasingly important today.
Occurrence and cultivation of butterbur
The growth height of most butterbur species is between 10 and 25 cm. Butterbur belongs to the composite family, but within it forms a separate genus of plants. Native to Northern and Central Europe, it grows especially well in floodplain landscapes along river and stream banks. While the somewhat bizarre-looking, pinkish-red to reddish flower bulbs form in spring (March to May), the plant’s leaves are still quite inconspicuous. Once the flowering is over, the leaves develop huge dimensions. They grow up to 60 cm wide, making them one of the largest in Central European flora. The hairy leaves, especially on the underside, are reminiscent of coltsfoot, another medicinal plant closely related to butterbur. The rhizome of the deciduous, herbaceous plant is perennial. It forms rhizomes – similar to ginger – with a thickness of about 4 cm. The height of growth of most butterbur species is between 10 and 25 cm.
Effect and application
It is the common butterbur (Latin: Petasites hybridus) that finds medicinal use because of its analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic constituents. The sesquiterpenes petasin and isopetasin have been identified as two of its most important constituents. The plant also contains flavonoids, alkaloids, mucilage and essential oils. A valuable extract with the above-mentioned medicinal properties can be obtained from the rhizome, the rootstock of butterbur. This patented extract from wild plants or organic cultivation is contained as an active ingredient in some medicines available without prescription. It is used primarily for migraines, where it decongests the blood vessels in the brain, thus removing the cause of the pain. However, butterbur extract also helps with neck and back pain, rheumatism, gout, menstrual cramps and any type of cramping, including asthmatic complaints. It has a balancing and relaxing effect on the autonomic nervous system, and it has also been shown to help with cardiac insufficiency. In some countries butterbur extract is already included in ready-made medicines for hay fever, where its effect is comparable to that of medical antihistamines. Applied externally, the plant promotes the healing process of wounds and ulcers. Classical homeopathy also uses butterbur preparations. They are used to treat bronchitis and spasmodic coughs, among other things. In addition to the curative ingredients, Petasites hybridus also contains undesirable components. The scientifically called pyrrolizidine alkaloids are toxic and can potentially cause liver damage. Therefore, it is not recommended to collect the plant in nature itself and take it as a home remedy. It is absolutely unsuitable for a tea infusion! The commercially available, highly pure special extract is produced in a complex process and thereby freed from the toxins. Modern cultivars of butterbur contain practically no pyrrolizidine alkaloids at all, so can be used without hesitation, even in the long term.
Significance for health, treatment and prevention.
The German Migraine and Headache Society DMKG recommends butterbur extract for migraine prophylaxis in its therapy guidelines. Scientific studies have shown that its efficacy in this area of application is comparable to that of synthetic drugs such as beta-blockers. Since the extract is generally very well tolerated and has hardly any side effects (mild stomach complaints occur only rarely), it is a real alternative for many migraine patients. It helps to save chemical medicines, which in the long run put an enormous strain on the organism and can also lead to permanent headaches themselves. Especially in the case of migraine in children, its good tolerability makes it the drug of choice. Taken regularly over a longer period of time, butterbur can not only significantly reduce the severity of pain attacks in migraine patients, but also the number of migraine days in general. Current studies speak of a reduction of up to sixty percent.Such a positive effect can be seen in some patients after just four weeks, while in others it takes almost twice as long – depending on the individual condition. To achieve a long-term improvement, experts recommend a permanent course of treatment for at least six months. In studies, butterbur has also long been proven as a medicinal plant against hay fever. It has been shown to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes (even faster than conventional medicines), thus making it easier for sufferers to breathe again. In a comparative study by the Helmholtz Institute in Munich, the anti-allergic effect of the butterbur preparation was in no way inferior to that of classic antihistamines. The great advantage of the plant-based active ingredient is that – unlike its chemical competitors – it does not cause fatigue. Researchers also suspect that the natural active ingredient of butterbur begins to act at an earlier point than the usual antihistamines, namely already at the source of the inflammation. If this is confirmed, the plant could also be used prophylactically against hay fever in the future. In South Korea and Switzerland, hay fever medications containing the active ingredient from Petasites hybridus are already available. They require a prescription and can therefore theoretically be obtained from international pharmacies with a private prescription. In Germany however appropriate preparations are not so far certified, it are to be accomplished first still further studies. Butterbur preparations are not suitable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
