Butterbur leaf extract Ze 339 (carbon dioxide extract from the leaves of Petasites hybridus L., 8 mg petasines per tablet) was given to 580 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies responsible for sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy nose. Participants were treated with an average of 2 tablets of Ze 339 daily for 2 weeks. At the end of the study, symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and nose, red eyes, and skin irritation) of seasonal allergic rhinitis significantly improved in 90% of patients. Additionally, effectiveness, tolerability, and quality of life improvement was reported by 80%, 92% and 80% of patients, respectively. Anti-allergy medication given in combination with Ze 339 showed no improvement compared to Ze 339 alone. Side effects were reported in 3.8% of patients with mostly gastrointestinal complaints. (9)
