Schematic overview of preclinical information from Ze 339. (Particulars on the finish of the article)
Increasingly individuals world wide are coping with allergic rhinitis, a situation that causes sneezing, stuffy nostril, and itchy eyes. Consultants say that is partly attributable to adjustments within the surroundings and the way individuals dwell as we speak. Conventional allergy medicines like antihistamines are useful however could make individuals really feel sleepy. That’s why many are turning to pure cures. One of the promising is a plant referred to as butterbur, and a particular extract from its leaves, often called Ze 339, is now displaying sturdy leads to relieving allergy signs safely.
Researchers Dr. Verena Merk, Dr. Georg Boonen, Professor Veronika Butterweck, and Dr. Andreas Schapowal, from Max Zeller Söhne AG and the Swiss Medical Society for Phytotherapy, appeared carefully at how Ze 339 works for allergy aid. Their detailed report, shared within the medical journal Advances in Respiratory Medication, brings collectively findings from lab checks, scientific trials that are rigorously managed research with volunteer sufferers, and real-life affected person use to color a transparent image of how this natural drugs performs.
Folks utilizing Ze 339 in research noticed the identical form of symptom aid as these utilizing widespread allergy medicine. Sneezing, runny nostril, and blocked nasal passages all improved after use. What stood out was that Ze 339 didn’t trigger drowsiness, a standard situation with many allergy medicines. In actual fact, in some research, Ze 339 helped clear the nostril a lot sooner than commonplace medicine.
Dr. Schapowal defined that Ze 339 doesn’t work the identical means as typical allergy medicines. As an alternative of blocking histamine within the physique, a chemical launched throughout allergic reactions, it helps calm the discharge of gear that trigger swelling and discomfort. These embrace leukotrienes and cytokines, that are small proteins that sign irritation within the physique. Ze 339 reduces early signs by serving to stop the discharge of sure chemical compounds from immune cells, fairly than performing like conventional antihistamines. This twin method helps each the short and delayed allergy signs.
Dr. Schapowal additionally identified how helpful this natural extract could be for normal use. “Ze 339 not solely offers aid with out making individuals sleepy, however it additionally continues to work nicely over time,” he mentioned. Info from on a regular basis customers—individuals taking the product exterior of scientific trials—backs this up. Sufferers of all ages, together with these with bronchial asthma or pores and skin issues, reported feeling higher with few negative effects. A lot of the negative effects have been gentle, akin to slight abdomen discomfort, and didn’t cease individuals from utilizing the product.
Clear patterns from the analysis present that Ze 339 is a protected and dependable alternative for these coping with each varieties of allergic rhinitis—seasonal, which happens throughout pollen seasons, and year-round, usually triggered by indoor allergens. The report underlines that pure cures like Ze 339 deserve a spot alongside commonplace allergy therapies, particularly after they supply fewer negative effects. As a result of it doesn’t work together badly with different medicines, it’s an excellent possibility for many individuals. Researchers additionally instructed it would assist with different allergy-related circumstances akin to bronchial asthma, a situation that narrows the airways, or eczema, a pores and skin situation that causes irritation, though extra research will likely be wanted.
Current hints present Ze 339 may also assist battle viruses, giving it potential use past allergic reactions. Because it’s already accepted to be used in a number of international locations, including new makes use of could possibly be faster and simpler than ranging from scratch with a brand new drugs. With its confirmed outcomes, gentle negative effects, and distinctive means of working, Ze 339 might turn into a preferred pure possibility for allergy victims all over the place.
Journal Reference
Merk, V.M., Boonen, G., Butterweck, V., Schapowal, A. “Efficacy and Security of P. hybridus Leaf Extract Ze 339 for the Remedy of Allergic Rhinitis.” Advances in Respiratory Medication, 2025; 93, 13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93030013
Legend of the Featured Picture
(1.) Remedy of main human leukocytes with Ze 339 led to decreased anti-IgE or complement C5a-stimulated LTC4 synthesis. (2.) GM-CSF-priming and complement C5a or PAF stimulation of eosinophils and neutrophils led to the synthesis of cysteinyl LTs and LTB4 which was inhibited by Ze 339. Moreover, therapy of stimulated eosinophils with petasin diminished the discharge of ECP. (3.) The therapy with Ze 339 resulted in decreased neutrophil migration in direction of HNEC supernatant. (4.) Ze 339 inhibited cytokine-induced JAK/STAT signalling. (5.) Remedy of stimulated eosinophils with petasin resulted in diminished intracellular Ca2+, diminished cPLA2 exercise and diminished 5-LO exercise. (6.) Ze 339 utility diminished histamine, cysteinyl LTs and LTB4 focus in nasal fluids of sufferers. Abbreviations: AA: Arachidonic acid; anti-IgE: anti-immunoglobulin E antibody; complement C5a: complement element 5a; cPLA2: cytosolic phospholipase A2; cysteinyl LTs: cysteinyl leukotrienes; ECP: eosinophil cationic protein; GM-CSF: granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating issue; HNEC: human nasal epithelial cells; IL: interleukin; JAK: Janus kinases; LTB4: leukotriene B4; LTC4: leukotriene C4; PAF: platelet activating issue; PL: phospholipids; STAT: signal-transducer and activator of transcription protein; 5-LO: 5-lipoxygenase. The determine was created with Biorender.com.
In regards to the Writer

Dr. Andreas Georg Schapowal, MD, PhD, DSc (hon), is a distinguished doctor and tutorial acknowledged for his contributions to otolaryngology, allergology, and scientific immunology. Born in Berlin in 1956, he studied drugs and philosophy at Heidelberg College, the place he earned his medical diploma in 1982. He later accomplished a PhD at Hanover Medical Faculty, specializing in the anti-allergic results of butterbur extract, and was awarded an honorary Physician of Science from Eckerd Faculty in 2004. Dr. Schapowal’s profession spans senior positions in hospitals in Germany and Switzerland, together with management roles in ENT departments and excessive mountain clinics. From 1998 to 2024, he ran a personal apply in Landquart, Switzerland, whereas additionally serving as a marketing consultant in psychiatric companies. A prolific lecturer, editor, and writer of 5 books and quite a few scientific articles, he has obtained a number of honors for his medical and humanitarian contributions.

