Herb Profile

Butterbur

Petasites hybridus

Butterbur is a sesquiterpene rich herb usually discussed around standardized root extracts.

Last reviewed: Report a correctionProfile-wide ·C Limited

Use extra caution — Only PA free extracts are acceptable; pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause serious liver injury; avoid pregnancy/liver disease. Details

Evidence
Limited Evidence
Typical onset
Varies by prep
Safety rating
High caution
Best for
Anti Inflammatory, Inflammatory signaling
Avoid / review if
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding, Liver Disease, Use Of Non PA Free Products
Butterbur monograph visual
Generated profile category visual

At a glance

From this profile's structured data
Evidence
Grade C
Safety
Only PA-free extracts are acceptable; pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause serious liver injury; avoid pregnancy/liver disease.
Profile context
anti-inflammatory
Next steps

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Safety

Safety & Cautions

Only PA free extracts are acceptable; pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause serious liver injury; avoid pregnancy/liver disease.

High caution

Caution level: High. Multiple caution categories apply, or the record uses avoid/contraindication language.

  • Liver-SensitiveLiver-related caution language appears in the profile.
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding CautionPregnancy or breastfeeding caution language is present.
Detailed safety fields

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraindications

  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
  • Liver Disease
  • Use Of Non PA Free Products
  • Asteraceae Allergy
  • Caution With Hepatotoxic Drugs/Supplements And Enzyme Inducing Medicines
  • Clinician Supervision Advised.

Safety classifications

  • Liver-Sensitive: Liver-related caution language appears in the profile.
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution: Pregnancy or breastfeeding caution language is present.

Full safety note

  • Only PA free extracts are acceptable; pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause serious liver injury; avoid pregnancy/liver disease.

Safety labels

  • Liver-Sensitive
  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution

Evidence

Evidence Summary

Evidence lens

Read as directional context, not settled clinical proof.

LimitedLimited Evidence

Human clinical evidence: Not the primary signal

Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Inflammatory Signaling Modulation

Research maturity: Theoretical / mechanistic research — Mechanistic or unresolved evidence is kept separate from established human outcomes.

Safety boundary: Safety note available — Only PA free extracts are acceptable; pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause serious liver injury; avoid pregnancy/liver disease.

How evidence grades work

Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.

Strong
Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
Moderate
Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
Preliminary / Mixed
Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
Traditional / Theoretical
Traditional use only; no controlled human trials

Dosing & Timing

No standardized dose
Preparation specific; use standardized product label for Use only certified PA free root/rhizome or leaf extracts and require source backed dosage review before therapeutic claims.
How Butterbur works

Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.

Mechanism Pathway — How Butterbur Works

How Butterbur WorksButterbur acts on biological target pathways via anti inflammatory, leading to anti inflammatory.ButterburBiological TargetBiological pathwayAnti InflammatoryAnti InflammatoryObservable outcome
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & biological pathways (preclinical)
  • Inflammatory Signaling Modulation

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Safety first · Harm reduction

This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.

Editorial Review

Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.

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