Effectiveness of Petasites hybridus preparations in the prophylaxis of migraine: a systematic review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 16987643 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2006.02.008
What was done
Authors searched several databases to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating Petasites hybridus preparations for migraine prophylaxis. Two randomized trials evaluating the proprietary root extract Petadolex were included (totaling 293 patients; 60 and 233 participants). Methodological quality scores were assessed, and results were synthesized narratively because heterogeneity precluded meta-analytic data pooling.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes or confidence intervals. It states that a higher dose (150 mg) demonstrated a greater reduction in migraine attack frequency and a higher number of responders (>50% improvement) after 3 to 4 months of treatment compared to a lower dose (100 mg) and placebo.
Why it matters
This review provides evidence that a specific 150 mg Petasites hybridus preparation may be effective for short-term migraine prevention, offering a potential botanical prophylactic option.
Limits
The review included only two trials with a modest total sample size (293 patients), and data could not be pooled quantitatively due to heterogeneity. Safety and efficacy in long-term use were not established and require further study.
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