Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is an herb that has been studied for its potential in treating respiratory allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have suggested that standardized butterbur extracts (notably those free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic) can reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Some studies have found butterbur to be as effective as certain antihistamines, like cetirizine or fexofenadine, but with fewer sedative side effects.

The active compounds in butterbur, especially petasin and isopetasin, are believed to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and modulating histamine release, mechanisms relevant to allergic responses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (e.g., BMJ 2003; Cochrane 2007) have concluded that while butterbur appears promising and reasonably safe (when properly processed), larger and higher-quality studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety over longer periods.

In summary, butterbur’s use for respiratory allergies is supported by moderate scientific evidence, primarily from short-term clinical trials. However, safety concerns regarding unprocessed butterbur and the need for larger studies mean it is not universally recommended as a first-line therapy.

More about butterbur
More about Allergies (respiratory)

Other ingredients used for Allergies (respiratory)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Akkermansia muciniphila
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
ashwagandha
bacillus coagulans
benegut perilla (proprietary)
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
forskohlii root
ginger
ginseng
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus lactis
licorice root
magnesium
Nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
perilla
pineapple
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
purple butterbur root
quercetin
rhizome
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
vitamin C
vitamin D
Water
Mullein
cardamom
bee pollen
chrysanthemum
siler root
eucalyptus
Menthol oil
aster root
herbal blend (proprietary)
Aralia
Adrenergic amines
Asteraceae
Acinetobacter lwoffii
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
black seed
Bifidobacterium
Bidens pilosa
bishop\'s weed
Boswellia
bioflavonoids
butterbur
Bifidobacterium animalis
bacteria
Bifidobacteria
balloon flower
cortisol
capillary artemisia
cineole
cowherb
curcumen
Cinidium
Centipeda
Cistus
Clostridium butyricum
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Eyebright
essential oil blend
fang-feng
fernbush
Guaco
galactooligosaccharides
Himalayan salt
honey
heal-all
Houttuynia
honey loquat syrup
iridoids
Kefir
kuding tea
Lesser speargrass
Mineral ascorbate
Monoterpenes
marigold
Nigella seed
Pinellia ternata
probiotics
Platycodon
Phleum pratense
Plectranthus amboinicus
rosmarinic acid
Rooibos
ravinsara
Sagebrush
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Terpenoids
Tagetes
Violet
Yuzu

Other health conditions supported by butterbur

Allergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Migraine
Rhinitis, Allergic

Products containing butterbur

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.