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Butterbur (Petadolex™) as Effective
as Zyrtec® in Controlling Allergic Rhinitis
by Jim English
Allergic Rhinitis (also called hay fever or allergy)
is an allergic condition marked by the inflammation of mucous membranes
in the nose (from the Greek word, "rhin," meaning nose,
and "itis," meaning inflammation). About 41 million Americans
suffer from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis
occurs when the body overreacts to a substance — such as pollen
— that is otherwise harmless.
Some people inherit their allergies from their
parents, while others develop an allergic sensitivity to specific
foods or chemicals following repeated exposure (Table 1). In either
case, the body recognizes a substance as foreign, or 'not self'
and produces antibodies to protect the body. Once the body has manufactured
antibodies for a specific allergen the stage is set for future allergic
reactions. The next time an allergen is detected by an antibody
the immune system goes into high gear, triggering the rapid release
of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals from specialized immune
cells — known as mast cells — that are located in tissues.
As histamine is released into these tissues the
result is a localized reaction which can cause a range of allergic
symptoms, such as itching eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes, sneezing,
stuffy or runny nose, nausea, headaches, and an impaired sense
of
smell and hearing.
In addition to attacking the sinuses
and eyes, histamine can also affect the throat, lungs, stomach,
bladder,
vagina,
muscles, joints, and central nervous system. Histamine also affects
brain tissues, causing sufferers to feel "foggy," confused
and unable to concentrate. Left untreated, allergies may lead to
chronic swelling of the sinuses and increased risk of infection.
There are two primary forms of allergic rhinitis — seasonal
and perennial. Allergic rhinitis triggered by the seasonal release
of tree, grass or weed pollens is called seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms are most severe during the spring and summer months, when
pollen levels are high, and decrease with the arrival of cold weather.
Hay fever triggered by indoor irritants such as
feathers, mold, animal dander (hair and skin shed by pets) or dust
mites is called perennial allergic rhinitis. This type of allergic
reaction can result in year-round symptoms. Because different types
of pollen, dust and mold spores exist in various geographic locations,
some people may suddenly develop allergic rhinitis after moving.
The best treatment for allergic rhinitis is to completely avoid
the allergenic substances that trigger the reaction. Since this
is not always possible, many allergy sufferers turn to prescription
and over the counter medications for relief. Over-the-counter medicines
line the shelves of pharmacies, calling out to unfortunate victims
of these seasonal or chronic problems. While antihistamines and
other drugs may help some patients, they also cause serious problems
for others. Typical antihistamines may make even the simplest of
tasks, such as driving an automobile or operating heavy machinery,
difficult, or even dangerous.
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine after it has been
released. Unfortunately, many antihistamines produce side effects,
such as dry mouth, nausea, and drowsiness. Other side effects include
dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, and tremors.
Decongestants are often used for short-term relief from nasal stuffiness.
Ironically, many decongestants can cause a "rebound" effect
that actually promotes the release of histamine release, leading
users to ultimately feel even more congested than before.
Corticosteroids can reduce allergic reaction by preventing body
cells from responding to histamine. These compounds are administered
via a nasal spray. For profound allergy symptoms, a one-time, very
short course of systemic cortisteroid may be a last resort treatment.
Allergy shots may be effective against specific, identifiable allergens,
such as ragweed and pollen. Immuno-therapy may take six months before
any benefit is noted.
Butterbur ( Petasites hybridus ) is an herb that grows throughout
Europe, Asia and North America in low-lying wet areas and marshes.
Some say the plant got its name because its large leaves were used
to wrap butter during hot weather. For centuries the leaves and
rhizomes of this perennial shrub have been used as an important
medicinal herb. Recently we reported that modern research has shown
that extracts of butterbur contain active ingredients that prevent
migraine attacks and reduce the severity and duration of attacks
when they do occur (VR News, Nov. 2001, and March, 2002). Butterbur
is also used in Europe to treat asthma and chronic coughs, prevent
gastric ulcers and to treat patients with irritable bladders and
urinary tract spasms. Now, new research shows that this unique herb
may be as effective as conventional drugs for relieving hay fever
and allergies, but without the unpleasant side effects associated
with those pharmaceutical agents.
The main active ingredients of Petasites hybridus are two sesquiterpenes,
petasin and isopetasin. Research has shown that petasin possessed
anti-spasmodic properties that help to reduce spasms in smooth muscle
and vascular walls. Petasin has also been found to be a powerful
anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits synthesis of leukotrienes
that act as potent pro-inflammatory agents in blood vessel walls
and cause bronchoconstriction in asthma. The second active ingredient,
isopetasin, has also been found to reduce inflammation by modulating
prostaglandin metabolism. Together, these ingredients have an antispasmodic
effect on vascular walls, with a marked affinity for cerebral blood
vessels.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal compared
butterbur to the antihistamine drug, Zyrtec® (cetirizine) in
patients with seasonal allergies. One hundred and twenty five patients
in Switzerland and Germany participated, with 61 using butterbur
and 64 taking cetirizine. After two weeks of treatment, the results
showed that butterbur treated the symptoms every bit as well as
the drug, and that the butterbur patients were just as healthy —
emotionally and physically — as the other patients. In addition,
even though the drug cetirizine is not supposed to cause drowsiness,
it has been reported to do so in 11 to 15 percent of those who take
it. Those in the butterbur group reported no drowsiness. The authors
concluded that butterbur is as effective a treatment for hay fever
as the drug.
While conventional drugs are effective for many hay fever and allergy
victims, butterbur offers an opportunity to avoid the unpleasant
side effects of those drugs.
Other
Supplements for Controlling Allergies
Green Tea Extract
Take 250 - 500 mg per day.
Grape Seed Extract
This powerful antioxidant keeps parts of the allergic processes
from being activated; 50 to 100 mg daily.
Bioflavonoid Complex with Quercetin
Bioflavonoids aid in controlling allergic reactions; take
500 mg, three times a day.
Culturelle (Lactobacillus
GG)
Probiotics maintain gastrointestinal health, preventing intestinal
inflammation and permeability that can trigger allergies;
take 1 cap daily.
A Good Daily Multivitamin
Extend One, Extend Core, etc.
EthylEPA
A balanced Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) fatty acid supplement can help
to keep allergies in check. |
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