Petasites hybridus
Common Butterbur ( Petasites hybridus )
The Common Butterbur ( Petasites hybridus, Petasites officinalis syn ), also Bach butterbur butterbur or Red called, is a flowering plant in the sunflower family ( Asteraceae).
Description
The perennial herbaceous plant reaches the flowering season plant height between 10 and 40 centimeters, crop time to 120 centimeters. The rhizome is about 4 cm thick, brownish and thickened at the link ends. The roundish Laubblattspreiten can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. The underside of the leaves is grauwollig, later glabrous.
The inflorescences appear from March to May before the primary leaves. The composite, racemose inflorescence has numerous, densely packed reddish- white to reddish-purple flower heads (partial inflorescences). The male flower heads are about 7 to 12 mm long and are about twice as large as the female.
Occurrence
The species prefers sickernasse or temporarily flooded, nutrient-rich soils, and is therefore often found on stream and river banks. The circulation area covers Europe as far north as Scotland, North West Germany.
Biology
The Common Butterbur is as Schwemmlandbefestiger important. For optimal development of a certain humidity is required. It is among the first spring flowers and is pollinated by bees. The cylindrical, hairy fruits are spread by the wind.
Historical Usage
Greeks and Romans valued the butterbur in the 1st century against malignant ulcers as well as the people in the Middle Ages, who used them against the plague. In folk medicine, various preparations of the plant are used as an expectorant cough medicine and as a coolant for insect bites. In the 19th century the first time the spasmolytic and analgesic effect was detected and the plant and its preparations were rediscovered for medical use.
Modern use
Before preparations as a tea made from butterbur or roots is warned that in its natural state, the plant contains substances ( Pyrrolizidinalkaloide ) with mutagenic, carcinogenic and potentially toxic effects on the liver. For standardized finished products but only plants from controlled cultivation of a pyrrolizidinalkaloidarmen Chemovarietät (see below ) can be used; In addition, remaining pyrrolizidine alkaloid residues are largely removed by special extraction process. Today Pestwurzextrakte be used in various herbal medicines, the spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscle is in the foreground. These extracts are used from the rhizome preferred. Indicated they are, for example, relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, and crampy discomfort in the urinary tract. In addition, butterbur preparations are used eg in migraine prophylaxis. A possible efficacy in primary dysmenorrhoea or enhanced ventilation in bronchial asthma has also been found. A standardized CO2 extract ( Ze 339 ) from the leaves is used as an antiallergic agent; by scientific studies its efficacy has been demonstrated. In Germany, since 2009 no butterbur supplement longer on the market after the approval for the preparation Petadolex is extinguished.
Since the 60s, it is known that Petasites hybridus exists in two Chemovarietäten. The one ( Furanopetasin - variety) contains so-called Furanoeremophilane and Eremophilanlactone that are not found in the plants of the other type. This other ( petasin ) variety contains, for example petasin, Neopetasin and isopetasin. The latter may be formed only on storage. Also seems a Mischvarietät to exist containing petasines and Furanopetasine.
The as Pyrrolizidinalkaloide (PA ) designated ingredients are ester alkaloids, whose backbone is the Nečín. When toxic substances apply if the Necingerüst between position 1 and 2 there is a double bond. In the liver, these substances are converted into pyrroles, can bind to DNA and RNA and protein synthesis and thus affect cell proliferation. This results in metabolic disorders and liver tissue damage. Pyrrolizidinalkaloide be removed from extracts for the manufacture of herbal medicines.