Herbal Extract
Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus)
Also known as: Petasites japonicus, Japanese butterbur, Fuki, Petasin extract
Butterbur extract is a plant-derived supplement traditionally used for allergy and respiratory support, with petasins as the proposed active compounds. Clinical evidence for seasonal allergy relief is moderate, though long-term safety and efficacy data remain limited.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Butterbur Extract Capsules | 82 A- | $0.10 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Butterbur | 65 B- | $0.28 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) should I take?
The typical range is 50-150 mg daily (standardized extract) or as directed on label. Typically used seasonally for allergy support; 2-4 weeks may be needed for full benefit
When should I take Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus)?
With meals or as directed. May be taken with or without food; food may reduce GI upset.
Which form of Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) is best?
Capsule (as listed: 4:1 extract concentrate). Other forms in the catalog: Tablet, Standardized extract.
Is Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) safe?
Commonly reported: Gastrointestinal upset, Headache, Allergic reactions (rare, in sensitive individuals), Belching/bloating.
Which Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Butterbur Extract Capsules, at 82/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Seasonal allergy symptom relief
- Respiratory health
- Inflammation support
- Migraine prevention
How it works
- Inhibition of leukotriene and histamine release
- Anti-inflammatory activity via petasin and isopetasin compounds
- Potential smooth muscle relaxation in airways
Dosage
- Typical range
- 50-150 mg daily (standardized extract) or as directed on label
- Timing
- With meals or as directed
- With food
- May be taken with or without food; food may reduce GI upset
- Duration
- Typically used seasonally for allergy support; 2-4 weeks may be needed for full benefit
- Special populations
- Avoid in pregnancy and lactation; limited safety data in children
Forms
- Capsule (as listed: 4:1 extract concentrate)· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Standardized extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Allergic reactions (rare, in sensitive individuals)
- Belching/bloating
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Hepatic disease (hepatotoxicity risk with certain preparations)
- Ragweed/daisy/chrysanthemum allergy (cross-reactivity possible)
- Birch pollen allergy
Products containing Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Moderate evidence exists for butterbur in seasonal allergies from several small RCTs, though study quality is mixed and sample sizes limited. Evidence for other uses (migraines, respiratory) is more preliminary. Long-term safety data sparse, particularly regarding hepatotoxicity concerns with some plant preparations.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Herbal Extract
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Butterbur Extract (Petasites japonicus) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.