Petasites
| Petasites | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Petasites hybridus Butterbur |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Senecioneae |
| Genus: | Petasites Mill. |
| species | |
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About 15–20 species; see text |
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The plants commonly referred to as Butterbur are found in the daisy family Asteraceae in the genus Petasites. They are mostly quite robust plants with thick, creeping underground rhizomes and large Rhubarb-like leaves during the growing season. Another common name for many species of this genus is Sweet Coltsfoot.
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[edit] Characteristics
The short spikes of flowers are produced just before the leaves in spring, emerging with only a few elongated basal bracts and are usually green, flesh coloured or dull white depending on species.
Butterburs are found in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. They prefer moist environments such as riverbanks, marshes and ditches.
Petasites is very closely related to the genus Tussilago (Coltsfoot), and also related to the huge genus Senecio.
[edit] Medicinal uses
Butterbur was used by native Americans as a remedy for headache and inflammation.[citation needed] Some Butterbur species contain the chemicals petasin and isopetasin which are believed to have potential benefits in treating headache. The highest concentrations occur in Butterbur root. Butterbur root extracts have been reported to be effective in reducing the occurrence or severity of migraine headaches.[1][dead link] Several double-blind studies have shown that high doses of extracts of Petasites hybridus root, presumably containing petasin and/or isopetasin, are effective both in preventing and in relieving migraine, with the best results coming in more severe cases, but with gastrointestinal side effects.[2] Additionally, a study showing Butterbur extract to be an effective treatment for hay fever without the sedative effect of the antihistamine cetirizine.[3]
Butterbur naturally contains components called pyrrolizidine alkaloids.[4] They are toxic to the liver and may cause cancers.[5][6] The concentrations are often highest in the rhizomes and stalks, and lowest in the leaves, and may vary depending on where the plants are grown. Butterbur extract should be taken only when prepared by a reputable laboratory. Long-term health effects and interaction with other drugs have not been studied.
[edit] Selected species
- Petasites albus White Butterbur
- Petasites amplus
- Petasites doerfleri
- Petasites formosanus
- Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope
- Petasites frigidus (syn. P. speciosa) Arctic Butterbur or Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot
- Petasites hybridus Common Butterbur
- Petasites japonicus Giant Butterbur, or Fuki
- Petasites kablikianus
- Petasites paradoxus
- Petasites radiatus
- Petasites sagittatus
- Petasites sibiricus
- Petasites speciosa
- Petasites spurius
- Petasites tatewakianus
- Petasites tricholobus
[edit] Hybrids
- Petasites x vitifolius
[edit] References
- ^ "Complementary and alternative therapies for migraine". Mayo Clinic. 2008-02-19. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/MI99999/PAGE=MI00024. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Lipton RB, Göbel H, Einhäupl KM, Wilks K, Mauskop A (December 2004). "Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine". Neurology 63 (12): 2240–4. PMID 15623680. http://www.neurology.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15623680.
- ^ Schapowal, A.Schapowal A; Petasites Study, Group (19 January 2002). "Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis". BMJ 324 (7330): 144–6. doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7330.144. PMC 64514. PMID 11799030. http://www.bmj.com/content/324/7330/144.full.
- ^ Fu, P.P., Yang, Y.C., Xia, Q., Chou, M.C., Cui, Y.Y., Lin G. (2002). "Pyrrolizidine alkaloids-tumorigenic components in Chinese herbal medicines and dietary supplements". Journal of Food and Drug Analysis 10 (4): 198–211.
- ^ Maxim Hirono I., Mori H., Yamada K. "Carcinogenic activity of petasitenine, a new pyrrolizidine alkaloid isolated from Petasites" Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1977 58:4 (1155-1157)
- ^ Smith, LW; Culvenor, CC (1981). "Plant sources of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids". Journal of natural products 44 (2): 129–52. PMID 7017073.
[edit] External links
- Flora Europaea: Petasites species list and distributions
- eFloras search results: Petasites
- Edibility of Petasites: Visual identification and edible parts of sweet coltsfoot.
