Butterbur for Migraine Prevention

From Dr. Weil's Weekly Wellness Bulletin:

Here’s good news for people with migraines: a new study indicates that the herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) works as well as some prescription drugs to prevent headaches. A total of 245 patients medically diagnosed with migraines were enrolled in a four-month study. The investigation concluded that taking two 75 mg tablets of butterbur extract cut the occurrence of the headaches by an average of 48 percent (compared to 26 percent among patients assigned the placebo). The study was published in the December 28, 2004, issue of Neurology, and confirms earlier findings suggesting that butterbur could stave off migraines. The most common side effect among the people who took butterbur was some burping. There were no changes in blood pressure, heart rate or the results of routine lab tests. When buying butterbur, choose extracts guaranteed to be free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that are toxic to the liver. The supplement should be taken with meals.

Source: Neurology, Dec. 28, 2004