In an earlier post, the effectiveness of butterbur (Ze 339) was reviewed and found to be as effective as the antihistamines, citirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) to treat the runny nose; sneezing; congestion; and irritation in the nose, eyes, throat, and ears associated with allergic rhinitis.

Now, here are the results of a survey of 580 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis treated with an average of 2 tablets of Ze 339 daily for 2 weeks.

• 80% said it was effective
• 92% found there was no downside to taking Ze 339
• 80% said their quality of life improved
• 3.8% had an adverse effect
• Nonspecific GI effects were most common

One more thing.

Taking antiallergic medication with Ze 339 did not result in a better effect than was attained with Ze 339 alone.

Adverse events occurred at a rate of 3.8%, mostly nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints.

For completeness however, a recent review states that there are four reports of people getting reversible cholestatic hepatitis, which was probably (not definitely) associated with long-term use of butterbur (incidence of 1:175,000 people). It is unknown which components of butterbur are responsible for this long-term liver toxicity.

Photo: Herbs & Roots

9/17/06 21:44 JR