Evidence supporting the use of: Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is supported by scientific evidence for the prevention of certain types of headaches, particularly migraine headaches. Several clinical studies have shown that high-dose riboflavin supplementation (typically 400 mg daily) can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in both adults and children. The proposed mechanism involves riboflavin’s role in mitochondrial energy production; migraines are thought to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and riboflavin acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism. Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in migraine frequency with riboflavin compared to placebo, though the effect size varies and the benefit appears moderate. Riboflavin is generally well tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for migraine prophylaxis.
However, evidence is much weaker or absent for other types of headache (such as tension-type headaches or cluster headaches), and the use of riboflavin for “headache” in general outside of migraines is not well supported. Major headache guidelines, including those from the American Academy of Neurology and the European Federation of Neurological Societies, recognize riboflavin as a preventive therapy for migraine, though not for other headache types. In summary, riboflavin has a moderate level of scientific evidence for migraine prevention, but should not be viewed as a general headache remedy.
More about riboflavin (vitamin B2)
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Other ingredients used for Headache (general)
alpha-pinenegreen chiretta
apple
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
betel
black cumin
black tea
Indian frankincense
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
feverfew
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
guayusa
jujube
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
lovage
magnesium
mint
moringa
mustard seed
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
purple butterbur root
quail egg
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
schizonepeta
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spearmint leaf
triphala
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alpinia galangal
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punarnava
commiphora
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blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
root tuber
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
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fern
ganoderma
sweetgums
morinda
birch
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
yerba mate
wood betony
paw paw
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
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Agrimony
Achyranthes
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Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
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American Liverleaf
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black salt
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DIVI-DIVI
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Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
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Fang-Feng
Fernbush
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Mustard
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Orchid
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Snakeroot (unspecified)
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Other health conditions supported by riboflavin (vitamin B2)
AnemiaCataracts
Dermatitis
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Migraine
Seborrhea
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