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Butterbur

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Butterbur. Petasites hybridus extract for migraine prophylaxis and allergic rhinitis.

How it works. Inhibits leukotriene synthesis and calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces migraine frequency (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 75 mg twice daily PA-free extract.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline, Vitamin D3 + K2.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Butterbur. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Butterbur. Petasites hybridus extract for migraine prophylaxis and allergic rhinitis.

Key compound: petasinC20H28O3 · 316.4 g/mol

What it is

Petasites hybridus extract for migraine prophylaxis and allergic rhinitis.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Brain & CognitiveImmune Function

How it works

Inhibits leukotriene synthesis and calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle.

Pathways

  • Inhibits leukotriene synthesis
  • calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle

Effects

  • ↓migraine frequency decreases

What the research supports

Reduces migraine frequencymoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
75 mg twice daily PA-free extract
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Belching

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Butterbur use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Butterbur — Reduces migraine frequency ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Butterbur and "Reduces migraine frequency". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Butterbur — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Butterbur and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Butterbur — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Butterbur and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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