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Feverfew Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Feverfew, Bachelor's Buttons, Painted Daisy, Tanacetum parthenium

Overview

Feverfew, scientifically known as _Tanacetum parthenium_, is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its aerial parts, which include leaves, flowers, and stems, contain several bioactive compounds, particularly parthenolide, which is known for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally utilized in herbal medicine, feverfew has a longstanding reputation for its efficacy in preventing migraine headaches. Modern research supports its application in migraine prevention, alongside emerging evidence of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The body of research includes numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, indicating moderate maturity in the understanding of this herb. Due to the variable content of active compounds in feverfew extracts, standardized preparations are essential for ensuring consistent clinical effects.

Benefits

Feverfew has been extensively studied for its anti-migraine properties. A systematic review of six randomized controlled trials revealed that feverfew can reduce migraine frequency by approximately 1-2 attacks per month, demonstrating a significant statistical impact on migraine management. In addition to its primary indication for migraines, feverfew exhibits notable antioxidant efficacy, with research showing its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species in cell cultures. Although preliminary evidence suggests some analgesic properties, this area requires further research for stronger validation. The primary target population for feverfew includes individuals suffering from chronic migraines, making it a suitable natural therapeutic option for these patients.

How it works

Feverfew's efficacy in migraine prevention is largely attributed to its active compound, parthenolide. This compound inhibits prostaglandin synthetase, leading to reduced inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating vasodilation and neurotransmitter activity related to migraine pathophysiology. Additionally, parthenolide impacts molecular pathways such as the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the modulation of serotonin release, both of which play critical roles in migraine mechanisms. Overall, feverfew engages with both vascular and nervous systems, contributing to its therapeutic potential.

Side effects

Feverfew is generally regarded as safe for oral use over a duration of up to four months. However, it may cause mild to moderate adverse effects in some users. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and vomiting. Although severe side effects are rare, caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulants or medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, as feverfew may interact with these drugs. Pregnant women should avoid feverfew, and it is contraindicated for those with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Additionally, breastfeeding women are advised against its use due to insufficient safety data.

Dosage

For therapeutic effects, the recommended dosage of feverfew for migraine prevention typically ranges from 50 to 200 mg per day (dried leaf or standardized extract), with a parthenolide content of 0.2-0.7%. While the minimum effective dose is considered to be between 50-100 mg, continued use over several weeks is necessary to fully experience its benefits. There is no established maximum safe dose, but long-term use beyond four months has not been thoroughly researched. Caution should be exercised to avoid chewing fresh leaves due to potential adverse oral reactions. Bioavailability of active compounds may vary based on extraction methods, and proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the efficacy of feverfew preparations.

FAQs

Is feverfew safe for everyone?

Feverfew is generally safe for short-term use, but it should be avoided during pregnancy and used cautiously in individuals with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery.

How long does it take for feverfew to work?

Users may start to notice a reduction in migraine frequency and severity after several weeks to months of consistent use.

Can feverfew cure migraines?

Feverfew is not a cure for migraines but can help prevent the frequency and severity of attacks when used regularly.

Can feverfew be taken with other medications?

Feverfew may interact with anticoagulants and other medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before combining treatments.

Research Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482028/ – This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of feverfew for migraine prevention, highlighting that it may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by 1-2 per month across several randomized controlled trials.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5076895/ – The article discusses the antioxidant properties of feverfew and its capability to reduce reactive oxygen species in vitro, supporting its use in managing oxidative stress conditions.