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Lee Swanson Research Update
Butterbur Cuts Migraine Frequency
October 2005
Subjects who took 75 mg of butterbur extract twice a day saw a 48% reduction in migraine frequency, according to a randomized study.
Butterbur is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia. The roots, leaves and flowers have been used traditionally to treat coughs due to asthma, allergies and infections. It has also been used historically to prevent migraine headaches. It is reported that butterbur has anti-inflammatory effects that could prevent the blood vessels from constricting and initiating a migraine.
The study included 245 patients ages 18 to 65 who met the International Headache Society criteria for migraine. Each patient had experienced at least two to six attacks per month over the preceding three months.
Study subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 75 mg of butterbur extract two times per day, 50 mg of butterbur extract two times per day, or placebo. The participants recorded the frequency and severity of migraine attacks every day for four weeks prior to treatment and during the 16-week trial.
People using the higher amount of butterbur experienced a significantly greater reduction in frequency of migraine attacks (48%) than those using the smaller amount (36%) and those receiving placebo (26%).
The results of the study suggest that an extract of butterbur root might effectively prevent migraines. They further suggest that 75 mg two times per day might be necessary for significant improvement.
Neurology 63:2240-2244, 2004
