The butterbur extract petasin has no effect on skin test reactivity induced by different stimuli: a randomized, double-blind crossover study using histamine, codeine, methacholine, and aeroallergen solutions
Gex-Collet, C.; Imhof, L.; Brattström, A.; Pichler, W.J.; Helbling, A.
Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology 16(3): 156-161
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1018-9068 PMID: 16784008 Document Number: 604205
Petasin (Ze 339), an extract of Petasites hybridus, was recently introduced on the market as a potent herbal antiallergic drug for treatment of respiratory allergies such as hay fever. Few clinical studies have been performed so far addressing the clinical effectiveness of Ze 339. A study was conducted to evaluate the antiallergic properties of Ze 339 using skin prick tests with different stimuli, such as codeine, histamine, methacholine, and a relevant inhalant allergen. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in which Ze 339 was compared to acrivastine, a short-acting antihistamine, in 8 patients with respiratory allergy and in 10 nonatopic, healthy volunteers. Antiallergic activity of Ze 339 was determined by analysing inhibitory potency in skin prick tests with codeine, histamine, methacholine, and an inhalant allergen. Wheal-and-flare reactions were assessed 90 min after a double dose of Ze 339, acrivastine, or placebo. An interval of at least 3 days was left between the skin tests. Acrivastine was identified as the only substance that significantly inhibited skin test reactivity to all solutions analysed in all study subjects. In contrast, no significant inhibition could be demonstrated for Ze 339 with any test solution. Moreover, the results of Ze 339 did not differ significantly from placebo. In this study, no antiallergic, particularly antihistaminic, effect of Ze 339 was found in skin tests using a variety of stimuli often used to evaluate immediate skin test reactivity. The mechanism by which Ze 339 is effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis still needs to be elucidated.