Butterbur Extract and Allergies

A European study suggests that an obscure herbal supplement may be as powerful as the most effective antihistamine for treating the symptoms of hay fever, but an expert warns that it is way too soon to head to the health food store for it.

Researchers in Switzerland report that seasonal allergy patients treated with an extract of the botanical butterbur reported symptom relief similar to patients treated with the antihistamine cetirizine, known by the brand name Zyrtec. Butterbur -- also known as butter dock, bog rhubarb, and exwort -- grows in Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.

The 125 patients participating in the study were treated with either butterbur or cetirizine for two weeks and then were evaluated though questionnaires. Patients reported similar symptom relief with both treatments, and there were equal numbers of adverse reactions in both groups. Those treated with the antihistamine did report more drowsiness, however.

"Butterbur was well tolerated and did not have the sedative effects associated with antihistamines," the authors wrote in the Jan. 19 issue of the British Medical Journal. "We believe butterbur should be considered for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis, particularly in cases where the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided."