Butterbur
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 125 participants, researched for Migraine Prevention, Allergic Rhinitis.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Migraine Prevention
ModerateAllergic Rhinitis
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Migraine Prevention
To evaluate butterbur effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency in children and adolescents
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To evaluate butterbur effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency in children and adolescents
Dose
Butterbur extract (petasites)
Participants
Pediatric migraine patients
Duration
12-16 weeks
Results
Butterbur reduced migraine frequency by 50% in 77% of pediatric group. American Headache Society gave Level A recommendation for migraine prevention.
How They Measured It
Migraine frequency, migraine duration
To evaluate butterbur extract MIG-99 for migraine prevention in adults
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate butterbur extract MIG-99 for migraine prevention in adults
Dose
6.25 mg butterbur CO2-extract t.i.d.
Participants
Adult migraine patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Butterbur reduced migraine frequency by 59% in treatment group vs 31% in placebo. Significant reduction in migraine-related disability.
How They Measured It
Migraine frequency, pain severity
Medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
Medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Allergic Rhinitis
To compare butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To compare butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis
Dose
Butterbur extract Ze 339
Participants
125 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Butterbur and cetirizine were similarly effective with regard to global improvement scores and SF-36 outcomes in allergic rhinitis.
How They Measured It
SF-36 scores, global improvement
To evaluate butterbur Ze 339 for intermittent allergic rhinitis
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate butterbur Ze 339 for intermittent allergic rhinitis
Dose
Butterbur extract Ze 339 standardized dose
Participants
Patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Butterbur Ze 339 showed dose-dependent efficacy in reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Symptom scores, global efficacy assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Butterbur research
There are currently 5 peer-reviewed studies on Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), involving 125 total participants. Research covers Migraine prevention, Allergic rhinitis, Inflammation. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Butterbur has been researched for: Migraine prevention, Allergic rhinitis, Inflammation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 5 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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