Herbal Approach in Management of Migraine

Migraine is a chronic, recurrent neurological disorder marked by pulsating headache, sensory disturbances, and significant impairment of daily activities. Conventional therapies such as NSAIDs and triptans provide symptomatic relief but are often limited by side effects, poor tolerance, and risk of recurrence, which has increased interest in safer and more sustainable herbal alternatives. The aim of this project is to critically evaluate the role of medicinal plants, their bioactive constituents, and underlying mechanisms in the prevention and management of migraine. The Background of literature indicates that migraine pathophysiology involves neurogenic inflammation, abnormal serotonergic activity, CGRP release, vascular changes, and oxidative stress. Historical records show extensive use of herbs for headache management, and modern scientific studies have validated several of these traditional therapies. Recent findings highlight that herbs possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antinociceptive properties that directly influence migraine pathways. This review compiles evidence on key herbal agents—feverfew, butterbur, curcumin, peppermint, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and ashwagandha—and summarizes their phytochemical profiles and mechanisms. Feverfew (parthenolide) and butterbur (petasin) modulate prostaglandins, inhibit platelet aggregation, and stabilize vascular tone. Curcumin exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by regulating cytokines, oxidative stress, glutamate signaling, and mitochondrial function. Peppermint and ginger relieve pain, nausea, and vascular congestion through menthol- and gingerol-mediated pathways. Ginkgo biloba (ginkgolide B) reduces excitatory neurotransmission and PAF activity, making it useful for migraine with aura. Ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, lowering stress-induced triggers by modulating the HPA axis and inflammatory mediators. The review also discusses the benefits, limitations, safety concerns (such as hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in butterbur), and herb–drug interactions, emphasizing the need for standardized extracts and clinical validation. Herbal medicines offer a promising, multi-targeted therapeutic approach for migraine management due to their diverse pharmacological actions and relatively