The phytotherapeutics used for migraine treatment

In this study, the characteristics, types, causes, treatment of the migraine and the side effects of the drugs used were reviewed. Some neurotransmitters effect to migraine headache of which physiopathology has not been understood clearly yet. 5-HT (serotonin) is the most important neurotransmitter. At the beginning of the migraine attacks, there is a small increase in the level of plasma serotonin. Then after the headache, a severe decrease in the level is observed. For this reason, in order to determine anti migraine activity, the inhibition of platelet aggregation and 5-HT release of plant extracts were measured. The methanolic extracts of Eremophilia gilesii, Erythrina vespertilio, Cymbopogon ambiguus and dichloromethane extracts of Santalum acuminatum and Cymbopogon ambiguus showed strong inhibition of platelet aggregation and 5-HT release. The phytotherapeutics used for migraine treatment are as follows; Tanacetum parthenium, Zingiber officinalis, Ergot alkaloids, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula officinalis, Petasites hybridus, Sapindus trifoliatus, Ginkgo biloba, Mentha piperita, 5-HTP, caffeine containing drinks, pine bark extract and antioxidant vitamin combination. In this study, Tanacetum cilicicum was also studied chromatographically for the presence of parthenolide. The TLC analysis was performed with two solvent systems that are hexane:ethyl acetate (7:3) and toluene:acetone (8.5:1.5). Partenelle (Arkopharma) capsules were used as standard. As a result of the study, parthenolide was found in small concentration in T.cilicicum for the faint color intensity in TLC. In conclusion, there is a number of phytotherapeutics, which are used for migraine treatment either together with medicinal therapy or alone. Some of these phytotherapeutics show lesser or tolerable side effects when they are compared to medicinal treatment. Key words: Migraine, phytotherapeutics, migraine treatments