Petasites extract - Top Choice for Migraine Prevention
The medicinal plant petasites hybridus is listed in the official therapy recommendations of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS).
This positive rating is based on placebo-controlled trials in adults and an open study with children and adolescents. The results have been published in international medical journals.
The prestigous American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the Academy of Headache Society (AHS) published their new evidence-based guideline for migraine prevention in April 2012. Based on the convincing study results the petasites extract has received the classification Level A (2 Class I studies: Lipton et al, Neurology 2004 and Diener et al, Europ. Neurology 2004). [more]
International study1:
58 %2 fewer migraine attacks with special petasites root extract
Special petasites root extract3 markedly reduces migraine attacks in adults by an average of 58 %. Use of analgesics can be reduced by 55 %.
This effect was dose - and time-dependent:
The treatment with 100 mg special petasites root extract per day reduced the attacks by 42 % after three months.
The daily 150 mg treatment reduced the attacks by 58 % (after four weeks by 38 %).
Conclusion
The average reduction of attacks with the special petasites root extract depends on duration of treatment and dose:
The special petasites root extract reduces the number of attacks depending on the dose:
Result: Best results are achieved with 150 mg special petasites root extract per day.
Branded pharmaceutical remedies offer capsules with 50 mg of Petasites extract.
The recommended dose is 3 x 1 capsules (3 x 50 mg) daily.
Study on migraine in children with a special petasites root extract: less migraine attacks, excellent tolerability
Many children and adolescents suffer from headaches and migraine. About 20 % of the preschool children and more than 50% of the 10 to 17 year old adolescents are affected. More than 1.5 mio. of children suffer from migraine (Source: MigraeneLiga e.V. Deutschland). Chemical drugs and analgesics are given very cautiously to children because of possible adverse reactions. The results of a study with a special petasites root extract3 in children and adolescents4 with severe migraine show similar efficacy as in adults.
Study in children and adolescents: special petasites root extract reduces migraine attacks about 63 %
The special petasites root extract reduces migraine attack frequency of children/ adolescents (from 6 to 17 years) by 63 %2.
• 77 %2 of all children/ adolescents had at least 50% less attacks.
• 91,8 % of all patients tolerate the special petasites root extract very well.
In rare cases mild eructations were reported.
1 Prof. H. Göbel, Prof. RB Lipton, Prof. KM Einhäupl: Petasites hybridus root is an effective preventive treatment for migraine, Neurology, December 2004
2 Mean value
3 CO2 extract, contains at least 15% petasins, free from pyrrolizidine alkaloids
4 Dr. Pothmann, R.: Migraine prevention in children and adolescents. Results of an open study with a special petasites root extract. Headache 2005