Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) as a tool for helping with Headache

In a randomized controlled trial, a standardized butterbur (Petasites hybridus) root extract 75 mg twice daily reduced migraine attack frequency by 48% (vs 26% placebo) and was well tolerated, establishing butterbur as an effective preventive treatment for migraine.

Objective Migraine is still an unsolved problem. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and tolerance of Petasites hydridus in the prophylaxis of migraine. Methods A randomized, group-parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study was carried out with a special CO2 extract from the rhizome of Petasites hybridus. Following a 4-week run-in phase, 60 patients received either the special Petasites hybridus extract petadolex or placebo at a dosage of 2 capsules (each capsule contains 25 mg) twice daily over 12 weeks. Outcome variables included the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine attacks as well as any accompanying symptoms. Results The frequency of migraine attacks decreased by a maximum of 60% compared to the baseline. This reduction in migraine attacks with petadolex was significant (p Conclusions The results suggest that migraine patients can benefit from prophylactic treatment with this special extract. The combination of high efficacy and excellent tolerance emphasizes the particular value that Petasites hydridus has for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.