Feverfew Herb Powder
Also known as: Feverfew, wild chamomile, Tanacetum parthenium
Overview
Feverfew, scientifically known as *Tanacetum parthenium*, is a traditional herbal remedy derived from the dried leaves of the plant. It is primarily recognized for its historical and ongoing use in the prophylaxis of migraines and, to a lesser extent, for its anti-inflammatory properties. The main active constituent responsible for its biological effects is parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone. Research on feverfew's efficacy, particularly for migraine prevention, is moderately mature, encompassing several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. However, the quality of evidence is mixed, with some studies indicating a benefit while others remain inconclusive or negative, often attributed to variations in preparation methods and dosing strategies.
Benefits
Feverfew has been investigated primarily for its potential to reduce migraine frequency. An early randomized controlled trial involving 17 patients suggested that feverfew could help maintain stable migraine frequency over 24 weeks, whereas a placebo group experienced an increase in attacks (mean attacks/month: feverfew 1.7 vs placebo 3.1; p < 0.02). However, a more recent meta-analysis of three RCTs (n=237) found only a non-significant reduction in migraine frequency (Cohen's d = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.52 to 0.14; p=0.26), indicating a small effect size without statistical significance. A comprehensive Cochrane systematic review of five RCTs (343 patients) concluded that there is insufficient evidence to definitively confirm feverfew's superiority over placebo for reducing migraine frequency, severity, or associated symptoms like nausea. While some lower-quality studies using dried powdered leaf extract reported favorable responses, higher-quality trials employing alcoholic or CO2 extracts did not consistently show benefit. Overall, the evidence for feverfew's efficacy in migraine prevention is mixed, with a generally favorable safety profile.
How it works
Feverfew's antimigraine effects are thought to involve multiple mechanisms, primarily through the action of its active compound, parthenolide. One proposed mechanism is serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonism, which is similar to the action of certain established antimigraine drugs. Parthenolide is also known to inhibit platelet aggregation, which can contribute to migraine pathology. Furthermore, it may reduce the release of inflammatory mediators and inhibit vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby potentially mitigating triggers associated with migraines. The bioavailability and, consequently, the efficacy of parthenolide can vary significantly depending on the preparation method, with differences observed between dried leaf powders and various extracts.
Side effects
Feverfew is generally considered safe, with most reported adverse effects being mild and transient. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or indigestion, and mouth ulcers, particularly when fresh leaves are chewed. Mild allergic reactions, including skin rashes, have also been reported in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. No major safety concerns or serious adverse events have been consistently reported in clinical trials. However, due to its potential antiplatelet effects, there is a theoretical concern regarding interactions with anticoagulant medications, although this has not been conclusively documented in clinical studies. Feverfew is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data in these populations.
Dosage
Typical dosages of feverfew used in clinical trials for migraine prophylaxis range from 50 to 150 mg per day of dried feverfew leaf powder. It is crucial that the product is standardized to contain at least 0.2% parthenolide to ensure consistent efficacy. The duration of treatment in studies typically spans from 8 to 24 weeks, as effects may not be immediate and require continuous use. For optimal results and safety, it is recommended to use standardized extracts to ensure a consistent parthenolide content. There are no established upper limits beyond the typical therapeutic range, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is feverfew effective for migraine prevention?
Evidence is mixed. Some individuals may experience benefits, but overall, meta-analyses suggest a small and often not statistically significant reduction in migraine frequency.
Is feverfew safe?
Generally, yes. Feverfew is considered safe with mild, transient side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort or mouth ulcers. No major safety concerns have been reported.
How long does it take for feverfew to show effects?
Clinical trials typically assess outcomes after 8 to 24 weeks of continuous use, suggesting that effects are not immediate and require consistent supplementation.
Can feverfew be combined with other treatments?
Potentially, but caution is advised, especially with anticoagulant medications due to feverfew's theoretical antiplatelet effects. More research is needed on specific interactions.
Research Sources
- https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article/42/8/553/6164416 – This RCT with 17 migraine patients over 24 weeks found that feverfew maintained stable migraine frequency, while placebo patients experienced an increase. It also noted a reduction in nausea and vomiting, suggesting a beneficial effect of feverfew in migraine prophylaxis.
- https://naturalmedfacts.com/articles/the-effect-of-feverfew-on-migraine-a-meta-analysis-of-clinical-trials/ – This meta-analysis, including 3 RCTs with 237 migraine patients, found a non-significant reduction in migraine frequency with feverfew (Cohen's d = -0.19, p=0.26). The study highlights the small effect size and lack of statistical significance, indicating limited overall efficacy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3210009/ – This Cochrane systematic review of 5 RCTs (343 patients) concluded that there is insufficient evidence to confirm feverfew's superiority over placebo for reducing migraine frequency, severity, or associated symptoms. It noted that higher-quality trials often showed no benefit.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/efficacy-and-safety-of-feverfew-tanacetum-parthenium-l-an-update-of-a-systematic-review/58D33D08C23C4F4C9625DBD3470A43C0 – This systematic review update, covering 6 RCTs, indicated that while a majority of studies favored feverfew, there were significant caveats due to heterogeneity and methodological differences. It also confirmed the generally mild and transient nature of adverse effects.
