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Some phytomedicines show promise for the management of migraine, but further clinical evidence is needed before they can be strongly recommended

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Abstract

Phytomedicines may provide new options for migraine prophylaxis and treatment based on their historical use and pharmacological properties. However, as clinical data are limited, no phytomedicine can currently be strongly recommended to manage migraine. Feverfew and butterbur may be effective in preventing migraine, but the efficacy of butterbur has been overshadowed by reports of severe petasites hepatotoxicity. Although further research is needed, chamomile, coriander, peppermint and ginkgo have shown encouraging results in explorative clinical studies, and the active components of cannabis and St John’s wort have shown promise in preclinical studies.

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    The article was adapted from CNS Drugs 2019; 33(5):399–415 [5] by employees of Adis International Ltd./Springer Nature, who are responsible for the article content and declare no conflicts of interest.

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    The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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    Adis Medical Writers. Some phytomedicines show promise for the management of migraine, but further clinical evidence is needed before they can be strongly recommended. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 413–417 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00657-1

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