10.01.05
Indication: Intermittent allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Source: Phytotherapy Res, June 2005; 19(6):530-537.
Research: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison study of butterbur extract (Ze 339; 8 mg total petasine; one tablet thrice-daily), fexofenadine (Telfast 180, one tablet once-daily) and placebo was conducted in 330 patients. Protocol and analysis were arranged according to the latest guidelines on new treatments for allergic rhinitis. The primary efficacy variable was a change in symptoms from baseline to endpoint during daytime. The secondary efficacy variables were: (a) as per primary variable (evening/ night); (b) physician’s global assessment; (c) responder rates. Safety was also closely monitored.
Results: Although both active treatments were individually significantly superior to placebo in improving symptoms of hay fever, there were no differences between the two active treatments in treating hay fever. As a result, the researchers concluded that despite being an herbal drug, butterbur, specifically Ze 339, has now been subject to a series of well controlled trials and should be considered as an alternative treatment for hay fever.
Source: Phytotherapy Res, June 2005; 19(6):530-537.
Research: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison study of butterbur extract (Ze 339; 8 mg total petasine; one tablet thrice-daily), fexofenadine (Telfast 180, one tablet once-daily) and placebo was conducted in 330 patients. Protocol and analysis were arranged according to the latest guidelines on new treatments for allergic rhinitis. The primary efficacy variable was a change in symptoms from baseline to endpoint during daytime. The secondary efficacy variables were: (a) as per primary variable (evening/ night); (b) physician’s global assessment; (c) responder rates. Safety was also closely monitored.
Results: Although both active treatments were individually significantly superior to placebo in improving symptoms of hay fever, there were no differences between the two active treatments in treating hay fever. As a result, the researchers concluded that despite being an herbal drug, butterbur, specifically Ze 339, has now been subject to a series of well controlled trials and should be considered as an alternative treatment for hay fever.