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Feverfew Glycerite Liquid Extract

Also known as: Feverfew, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Tanacetum parthenium

Overview

Feverfew, scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a perennial herb traditionally utilized for its potential in migraine prophylaxis and anti-inflammatory properties. The glycerite liquid extract is an alcohol-free preparation derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant, using vegetable glycerin as a solvent. This method aims to extract both water-soluble and some lipophilic compounds while avoiding alcohol. The primary active compound is parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone. While historically popular for migraine prevention and anti-inflammatory effects, current high-quality research provides mixed results, with some meta-analyses indicating limited or no significant benefit over placebo for migraine prophylaxis. Research on feverfew is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, but variability in extract standardization and dosing complicates definitive conclusions.

Benefits

The primary traditional benefit of feverfew is migraine prophylaxis. However, recent high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a 2025 meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials (n=237), reported a non-significant reduction in migraine frequency (Cohen’s d = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.14, p=0.26), suggesting limited or no clear benefit over placebo. A 2003 Cochrane review also concluded insufficient evidence to confirm its superiority for migraine prevention. While some older or lower-quality studies showed favorable responses, higher-quality trials with standardized extracts have not consistently demonstrated efficacy. For anti-inflammatory effects, a 6-week randomized controlled trial with 41 rheumatoid arthritis patients showed a significant improvement in grip strength (p=0.04) with feverfew, though other parameters were unchanged, and the extract was non-standardized. In vitro studies indicate parthenolide's antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and parasites, but the clinical relevance of these findings is unproven.

How it works

Feverfew's primary bioactive compound, parthenolide, is believed to exert its effects by inhibiting various inflammatory mediators. It acts by reducing the production of prostaglandins and cytokines such as IL-1, TNF-alpha, and interferon-gamma, and by decreasing the expression of adhesion molecules like ICAM-1, which are involved in inflammatory processes. In the context of migraine, a proposed mechanism involves the antagonism of serotonin (5-HT) receptors, similar to the drug methysergide, potentially modulating vascular and neuronal pathways implicated in migraine pathogenesis. The lipophilicity of parthenolide influences its absorption, and while glycerite extracts are designed to extract these compounds, specific pharmacokinetic data on their bioavailability compared to other extract forms are currently limited.

Side effects

Feverfew is generally considered safe when used at typical doses in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and mouth ulcers, particularly when dried leaves are ingested directly. Rare instances of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis have also been reported. While no major drug interactions are well-documented, caution is advised when combining feverfew with anticoagulant medications due to its potential to affect platelet function. Feverfew is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the possibility of stimulating uterine contractions, which could pose a risk. Long-term safety data are limited, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged use, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Clinical trials investigating feverfew have typically used daily doses ranging from 50 mg to 143 mg of dried leaf or extract. These extracts are often standardized to contain 0.2-0.5% parthenolide. For instance, the Canadian Health Protection Branch recommends a daily dose of 125 mg of dried feverfew leaf, ensuring it contains at least 0.2% parthenolide, specifically for migraine prevention. Glycerite liquid extracts, such as the one described, are commonly concentrated at a 1:3 dry herb to solvent ratio. However, a significant challenge with glycerite extracts is the lack of standardized parthenolide content, which complicates direct dose equivalence to the forms used in clinical trials. Consequently, optimal dosing for glycerite extracts is not well-established due to limited specific pharmacokinetic and clinical data, making it difficult to provide precise recommendations for this particular formulation.

FAQs

Is feverfew effective for migraines?

Current high-quality evidence, including recent meta-analyses, does not consistently support feverfew as a reliable standalone migraine prophylactic agent, though individual responses can vary.

Is glycerite extract as effective as alcoholic extracts?

There are no direct comparative clinical data available to confirm if glycerite extracts are as effective as alcoholic extracts. Glycerite extracts avoid alcohol but may differ in bioactive content and absorption.

How long before effects appear?

Clinical trials typically lasted between 8 to 24 weeks. Any potential benefits, if experienced, may require several weeks of consistent use to manifest.

Is it safe long-term?

Generally, feverfew is considered safe for long-term use, but comprehensive long-term safety data are limited. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/feverfew.html – This source provides a comprehensive overview of feverfew, including its traditional uses, chemical constituents like parthenolide, and a summary of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities based on in vitro and some clinical studies. It also touches upon its safety profile and potential interactions.
https://naturalmedfacts.com/articles/the-effect-of-feverfew-on-migraine-a-meta-analysis-of-clinical-trials/ – This meta-analysis, published in 2025, synthesized data from three randomized controlled trials (n=237) on feverfew's effect on migraine. It concluded that there was a non-significant reduction in migraine frequency, indicating limited or no clear benefit over placebo for migraine prevention.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3210009/ – This article, likely a review or research paper, discusses the mechanisms of action of feverfew, particularly focusing on parthenolide's role in inhibiting inflammatory mediators and its proposed antagonism of serotonin receptors relevant to migraine. It also mentions the challenges of extract standardization.
https://www.fitoterapia.net/archivos/201910/draft-assessment-report-tanacetum-parthenium-l-schultz-bip-herba-revision-1_en.pdf?1 – This draft assessment report provides a detailed review of Tanacetum parthenium, including its traditional uses, chemical composition, and a summary of clinical efficacy and safety data. It highlights the variability in study outcomes due to differences in extract standardization and dosage forms.