Butterbur
Petasites
Petasites, including species such as Petasites japonicus, Dianthus superbus var. superbus, and Petasites paradoxus, are plants traditionally used in various herbal practices but specific uses for these particular species have not been recorded. Scientific evidence suggests that P. japonicus leaf extract may alleviate symptoms of colitis and depression-like behaviors through multiple mechanisms, including cholinergic function restoration and modulation of neuroplasticity-related signaling pathways. Additionally, extracts from Dianthus superbus var. superbus and Petasites paradoxus have shown dose-dependent cytotoxic effects and genotoxic potential in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, while Salvia pratensis leaf extract demonstrated selective anti-cancer effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells through miR-34a-5p modulation. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Petasites species to date.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Petasites japonicus leaves extract alleviated DSS-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors in mice through multiple mechanisms.
- PPJM pretreatment partially improved scopolamine-induced memory deficits and modulated cholinergic function and neuroinflammatory responses in mice.
- Both Dianthus superbus var. superbus and Petasites paradoxus methanolic leaf extracts showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects and genotoxic potential in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.
- Salvia pratensis leaf extracts showed selective anti-cancer effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells through miR-34a-5p modulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Butterbur?
Butterbur (Petasites) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Butterbur?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Butterbur; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Petasites japonicus leaves extract alleviated DSS-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors in mice through multiple mechanisms.
How strong is the evidence for Butterbur?
The strongest finding for Butterbur carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Butterbur safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Butterbur in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Butterbur interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Butterbur in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Butterbur?
Butterbur is also known as: белокопытник, Pétasite.
Is Butterbur a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Salvia pratensis exhibits in vitro anti-cancer effects in triple-negative breast cancer through miR-34a-5p signaling. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Petasites japonicus Leaves Alleviate Depression in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice Through the BDNF/TrkB Pathway and Modulation of Inflammation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genotoxic potential of Dianthus superbus var. superbus and Petasites paradoxus (Retz.) Baumg. methanolic extracts in Chinese hamster ovary cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Protective Effects of a Propolis-Petasites japonicus Mixture on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice. literature abstract metadata