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Migraine Prevention in Children and
Adolescents: Results of an Open Study with a Special
Butterbur Root Extract
Raymond Pothmann, MD; Ulrich Danesch, PhD.
Posted: April 2005  
Headache 2005;45:196-203

Objective:  To explore the role of a special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention in children and adolescents with severe migraines.

Background:  Two randomized and placebo-controlled trials with a total of 289 migraine patients have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of a special butterbur root extract in the reduction of migraine attacks in adults. We studied whether butterbur had the potential as an efficient and well-tolerated migraine preventive in children and adolescents.

Results:  77% of all patients reported a reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks of at least 50%. Attack frequency was reduced by 63%. 91% of patients felt substantially or at least slightly improved after 4 months of treatment. About 90% of each, doctors and patients, reported well-being or even improved well-being. Undesired effects included mostly eructation. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:   The results and low rate of adverse events in this open prospective migraine prevention study in children and adolescents are similar to the results of two multicenter placebo-controlled butterbur studies in adults. Butterbur root extract shows a potential as an effective and well-tolerated migraine prophylaxis also for children and teenagers.