Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for migraine prevention, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 87 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Purple Butterbur CO2 extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains 4 active ingredients. Purple Butterbur CO2 extract is the main one; it's concentrated using a special extraction method.

The other three actives are rosmarinic acid (a plant compound), luteolin (a flavonoid), and perilla extract — each chosen for their effects on inflammation and allergic responses. You're also getting inactive ingredients like rice bran oil, gelatin, and beeswax, which help form and stabilize the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Protection against environmental irritants.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Asthma, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Headache, Migraine headache, Seasonal allergies — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Butterbur is rated "Possibly Effective" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Butterbur is rated "Possibly Effective" for Migraine headache.
  • Also on file: Butterbur is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Butterbur extract is rated possibly effective for migraine headache and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — meaning there's some evidence it may help, but more research would strengthen that claim. The other three active ingredients in this formula (rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and perilla extract) don't have established effectiveness ratings in our data.

You're getting butterbur's track record, but the added ingredients' benefits in this combination aren't established by the evidence we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Butterbur Perilla

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Butterbur is generally well tolerated, but side effects do happen: belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, itchy eyes, itching, rash, and stomach upset are most common. Serious liver injury (hepatotoxicity) is rare but documented — it's tied to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

This product is labeled PA-free to reduce that risk, though rare liver injury reports exist even for PA-free butterbur supplements. Do not use this during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; the safety data advises against it.

Perilla is generally well tolerated as a food but is less studied at supplement strength; it can rarely cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or allergic asthma when inhaled.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Butterbur Perilla

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Butterbur.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 88 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check any medications you take that induce the CYP3A4 enzyme (a liver pathway) before adding this product. The severity is moderate, meaning your liver may process butterbur's alkaloids faster and potentially create toxic metabolites.

Because we couldn't check rosmarinic acid and luteolin against your medications, mentioning this product to your pharmacist helps catch any gaps we might have.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is for people exploring butterbur for migraine or seasonal allergies who want added plant compounds. If you take any regular medications — especially those that induce CYP3A4 — check them first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding folks should skip it. Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you have a history of liver trouble or allergies.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870884064
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2016
DSLD ID 61929
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870884064
IngredientAmount% DV
Purple Butterbur CO2 extract75 mg--
Rosmarinic Acid50 mg--
Luteolin4 mg--
Perilla extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water, Beeswax, Sunflower Lecithin, Carob color

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Protection against environmental irritants

Scan for product info

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) softgel twice daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid uses a patented butterbur extract carefully extracted using state-of-the-art technology to obtain key active ingredients while containing extremely low levels (<0.1 ppm) of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA).

Precautions

Warnings: - Keep out of reach of children.

- Do not exceed recommended dose. - Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

- When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General

Q00884E

See for yourself

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Purple Butterbur CO2 extract

Interacts with
87 drugs
75 mg per serving Form: Petasins

Butterbur is a plant extract most studied for preventing migraines and easing hay fever symptoms, and some standardized products show promise. However...

Purple Butterbur CO2 extract monograph & interactions

Rosmarinic Acid

50 mg per serving Form: Rosemary

Luteolin

4 mg per serving Form: Orange extract

Perilla extract

No known
interactions
50 mg per serving

Perilla is an Asian mint-family plant used in cooking and traditional medicine, mainly for allergy, breathing, and digestive complaints. Most human ev...

Perilla extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water, Beeswax, Sunflower Lecithin, Carob color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
87Drugs
87 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Purple Butterbur CO2 extract1 drug type · 87 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inducers

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inducers might increase the toxicity of butterbur.
The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents found in some butterbur products are substrates of CYP3A4. Theoretically, drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase the conversion of PAs to toxic metabolites.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
866-280-2852
Web Address
www.lef.org
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid has a known interaction with 87 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
No. Butterbur is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data, and possible liver and other risks are a concern. Perilla also advises against medicinal amounts during these times due to insufficient data. Skip this product and talk with your doctor about alternatives.
Is this safe if I have liver problems?
The main ingredient, butterbur, carries a real (though rare) risk of liver injury, especially from pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Even though this product is labeled PA-free, liver injury has been reported with PA-free butterbur supplements in rare cases. If you have liver disease or take medications that stress your liver, talk to your pharmacist before using this.
What's the most common side effect I might notice?
Butterbur most often causes belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, itchy eyes, itching, rash, or stomach upset. Most people tolerate it well, but these effects aren't uncommon.
Does this actually work for migraines or allergies?
Butterbur is rated possibly effective for both migraine headache and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), meaning some evidence supports it but more research is needed. The other ingredients in this blend don't have established effectiveness ratings in our data, so you're mainly relying on the butterbur.
What is perilla extract, and why is it in here?
Perilla is a plant used in traditional medicine for inflammation and allergy-like symptoms. It's generally well tolerated as a food, but supplement-strength perilla hasn't been studied much. Rarely, it can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), especially in people sensitive to seeds.
Why should I check my medications before taking this?
Butterbur contains compounds that your liver breaks down via an enzyme called CYP3A4. If you take a medication that speeds up this enzyme, it may increase how fast your body converts butterbur's compounds to potentially toxic forms. That's why running your exact medications through our checker first is important.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Butterbur Extract With Standardized Rosmarinic Acid's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Butterbur 7 references
  1. Danesch U, Rittinghausen R. Safety of a patented special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention. Headache 2003;43:76-8.. PubMed
  2. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. PubMed
  3. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
  4. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. PubMed
  5. Pothmann R, Danesch U. Migraine Prevention in Children and Adolescents: Results of an Open Study With a Special Butterbur Root Extract. Headache 2005;45:196-203.. PubMed
  6. Oelkers-Ax R, Leins A, Parzer P, et al. Butterbur root extract and music therapy in the prevention of childhood migraine: an explorative study. Eur J Pain 2008;12:301-13. PubMed
  7. Schapowal A. Butterbur Ze339 for the treatment of intermittent allergic rhinitis: dose-dependent efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arch Otolaryngol.Head Neck Surg. 2004;130:1381-86. PubMed

See these in context on the Butterbur monograph →

Perilla 4 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Kanzaki, T. and Kimura, S. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from Perilla frutescens (shiso). Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(1):55-56.
  3. Yu H, Qiu JF, Ma LJ, Hu YJ, Li P, Wan JB. Phytochemical and phytopharmacological review of Perilla frutescens L. (Labiatae), a traditional edible-medicinal herb in China. Food Chem Toxicol 2017;108(Pt B):375-91. PubMed
  4. Jeong K, Lee SY, Jeon SA, et al. Clinical and immunological characterization of perilla seed allergy in children. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021. PubMed

See these in context on the Perilla monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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