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Brand Name :
Butterdock, blatterdock, bogshorns
Synonyms :
butterbur
Class :
Pulmonary, Herbals
Suggested Dosing
Extract
50 mg
100mg
50 mg of extract orally three times a day
Or
100 mg of extract orally two times a day, then 50 mg of extract orally two times a day
Allergic Rhinitis
50 mg of an extract standardized to contain the 7.5 mg of petasins orally three times a day
Leaf extract: 8 mg of petasins, 1 tablet orally three-four times a day
Actions and Spectrum:
butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a perennial shrub native to Europe and Asia, used for centuries for various medicinal purposes. butterbur extract is made from the plant’s roots, leaves, and stems and has been studied for potential therapeutic benefits.
Action: butterbur extract is thought to have several actions, including anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-allergic properties. It has been used to treat various conditions, including migraines, hay fever, asthma, and allergies. butterbur is believed to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes and histamines, which are involved in allergic reactions.
Spectrum: butterbur has been studied for its effectiveness in treating various conditions, including:
Black Box Warning:
butterbur extract has been associated with liver toxicity in rare cases, which has led to the issuance of a black box warning by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The black box warning for butterbur extract states that it has been associated with cases of liver injury, including hepatitis and liver failure, in some people. The warning advises healthcare providers to monitor liver function in people taking butterbur extract and to discontinue use if signs of liver damage occur.
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindication
butterbur extract has several contraindications that should be considered before use:
Caution
butterbur extract has several cautions that should be considered before use:
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy Category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacology:
The pharmacology of butterbur has yet to be fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its active compounds, which include petasin and isopetasin. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic effects.
butterbur extract has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, and to reduce the activation of inflammatory cells, such as mast cells and eosinophils. These effects may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of butterbur extract.
butterbur extract has also been shown to have calcium channel-blocking properties, which may contribute to its ability to reduce migraine headaches and relieve smooth muscle spasms in the respiratory and urinary tracts.
Pharmacodynamics:
Mechanism of action: The action of this substance is attributed to its component Petasin, a sesquiterpene ester that exhibits leukotriene inhibitory function. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it is effective in alleviating hay fever symptoms, with similar efficacy to fexofenadine. Moreover, it is more effective than a placebo in preventing migraine attacks.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
It is believed that butterbur extract is absorbed in the small intestine, but the exact mechanisms of absorption still need to be better understood.
Distribution
It is not clear where butterbur extract is distributed in the body, but it has been detected in the brain and liver of rats.
Metabolism
butterbur extract is metabolized in the liver by enzymes such as cytochrome P450. The active compounds petasin and isopetasin are metabolized into their respective hydroxylated metabolites.
Elimination and Excretion
The excretion of butterbur extract and its metabolites is primarily through fecal elimination. In rats, most of the administered dose was eliminated in the feces within 48 hours.
Administration:
butterbur extract is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. The dosing and administration of butterbur extract may vary depending on the product and treated condition.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: butterbur
Why do we use butterbur?
butterbur extract has been used for a variety of purposes, including:
It is key to note that the effectiveness of butterbur extract for these uses is not well established, and more research is needed to confirm its benefits. As with any supplement/medication, it is key to talk to a healthcare provider before taking butterbur extract, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.