Certified Organic Feverfew Dried Herb Liquid Extract
Also known as: Feverfew, Featherfew, Tanacetum parthenium
Overview
Feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*) is a traditional medicinal herb primarily recognized for its use in migraine prophylaxis and inflammatory conditions. The dried herb liquid extract is a concentrated form, rich in active constituents, most notably parthenolide. Sourced from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant, it is often standardized to its parthenolide content to ensure consistent potency. While its main application is to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, it also sees secondary use for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in conditions like arthritis. Research on feverfew is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, though results can be mixed due to variations in extract types and dosing.
Benefits
Feverfew offers several potential benefits, primarily in migraine prophylaxis and anti-inflammatory effects: - **Migraine Prophylaxis:** Evidence suggests feverfew may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. A meta-analysis of three RCTs (n=237) showed a small, non-significant reduction in migraine frequency, indicating limited standalone efficacy. However, a large RCT (n=170) using a specific CO2-extract (MIG-99, 6.25 mg t.i.d.) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in migraine attacks (mean decrease 1.9 vs. 1.3 attacks/month placebo; p=0.0456) and a 3.4-fold higher responder rate (p=0.0049). Smaller studies also indicated that feverfew could maintain stable migraine frequency and reduce associated symptoms like nausea and vomiting (p<0.05) compared to placebo. - **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** Feverfew extracts have shown the ability to inhibit inflammatory markers such as ICAM-1 on synovial fibroblasts, suggesting potential benefits in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. However, clinical evidence for this application is currently limited and inconclusive. - **Antimicrobial Activity:** In vitro studies have indicated that parthenolide, a key compound in feverfew, possesses inhibitory effects against gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The clinical relevance and application of these antimicrobial properties in humans are not yet clear.
How it works
Feverfew's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its active compound, parthenolide. This compound is believed to inhibit the release of serotonin from platelets and suppress leukotriene synthesis, both of which are implicated in the neurogenic inflammation central to migraine pathophysiology. Parthenolide also modulates various inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, TNF-alpha, and interferon-gamma, as well as adhesion molecules like ICAM-1, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. The bioavailability of feverfew's active compounds can vary significantly depending on the extract formulation, with CO2-extracts potentially offering more consistent delivery of parthenolide compared to dried leaf powders.
Side effects
Feverfew is generally well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to placebo in most randomized controlled trials. Common side effects are rare, occurring in less than 5% of users, and typically include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Ingestion of raw feverfew leaves has been associated with mouth ulcers, but this is less common with processed extracts. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications reported in clinical trials, making it a relatively safe option for many individuals. However, due to limited safety data, caution is advised for pregnant individuals. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Effective dosages of feverfew vary significantly depending on the type of extract and its standardization. For dried leaf powder, a common dosage used in studies is 50-125 mg per day, standardized to contain at least 0.2% parthenolide. A specific CO2-extract, known as MIG-99, has been studied at a dose of 6.25 mg taken three times daily, totaling 18.75 mg per day. Clinical benefits are typically assessed over a duration of 8 to 16 weeks of continuous use. It is crucial to use products standardized to parthenolide content to ensure consistent and reproducible effects. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosing advice.
FAQs
Is feverfew effective for migraines?
Evidence suggests a possible modest benefit, especially with standardized extracts, but it is not conclusively superior to placebo for all individuals. Some studies show significant reductions in migraine attacks.
Is feverfew safe to use?
Yes, feverfew is generally considered safe with a low incidence of mild side effects, primarily gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse effects are rare.
How long does it take to see effects from feverfew?
Benefits are typically evaluated after 8-16 weeks of continuous use, as it is intended for prophylactic rather than acute treatment.
Can feverfew replace conventional migraine prophylactics?
Current evidence does not support replacing established migraine treatments. Feverfew may be considered as an adjunctive therapy, but always consult a healthcare professional.
Research Sources
- https://naturalmedfacts.com/articles/the-effect-of-feverfew-on-migraine-a-meta-analysis-of-clinical-trials/ – This meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials (n=237) investigated the effect of feverfew on migraine frequency. It found a small, non-significant reduction in migraine frequency (Cohen’s d = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.14; p=0.26), suggesting limited efficacy as a standalone treatment for migraine prevention.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00950.x – This randomized controlled trial (n=170) evaluated a specific CO2-extract of feverfew (MIG-99) for migraine prophylaxis. It demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in migraine attacks compared to placebo (mean decrease 1.9 vs. 1.3 attacks/month; p=0.0456) and a 3.4-fold higher responder rate, supporting the clinical benefit of standardized extracts.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7133498/ – This small randomized controlled trial (n=17) assessed freeze-dried feverfew leaf capsules. It found that feverfew maintained stable migraine frequency and significantly reduced the incidence of nausea and vomiting (p<0.05) compared to placebo, although the small sample size limits generalizability.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/feverfew.html – This source provides a comprehensive overview of feverfew, including its traditional uses, active constituents, and pharmacological actions. It highlights the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities observed in in vitro studies, such as the inhibition of ICAM-1 and effects against various pathogens, though clinical relevance is often noted as unclear.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3210009/ – This systematic review, likely a Cochrane review, examined five randomized controlled trials (n=343) on feverfew for migraine prevention. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence to conclusively support feverfew's efficacy, citing significant variability in extract types, quality, and study methodologies as key limitations.
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