Butterbur Extract 4:1 TLC

Introduction

The Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) has been a staple of the Japanese diet for many years and is one of the few vegetables native to Japan. Besides being recognized for its value as a staple food item it has also demonstrated anti-allergenic properties in recent studies and clinical trials.

The Butterbur plant contains flavor constituents, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and many polyphenols. The anti-allergenic properties of the aerial portion of the plant can be attributed to the eremophilane type sesquiterpenes (of which Petasin & Iso-Petasin are major constituents), fukinone and 2?-hydroxyfukinone. An advantage to using the aerial portion of the plant, the portion consumed as food, is that it does not contain the high levels of PA's (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) found in the root and rhizome.

Function

1. Petasin is responsible for the antispasmodic properties of the plant by reducing ;

2. Spasms in smooth muscle and vascular walls, in addition to providing;;

3. An anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting leukotriene synthetics.

4. Petasin has also been found to treat migraine headaches, asthma, bronchitis.

5. Butterbur has also been used for cough; urination and stomach problems.

Application

1. in foods and beverages,

2. in the health care product field

3. in pharmaceutical field