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Feverfew Leaf Extract

Also known as: Tanacetum parthenium, Feverfew, Featherfew, Wild Chamomile

Overview

Feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in migraine prevention. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to sesquiterpene lactones, primarily parthenolide (PN). Feverfew is available in various forms, including dried leaf extracts, capsules, and tinctures. Research on feverfew is moderate, encompassing clinical trials and systematic reviews, though the quality of evidence varies due to inconsistencies in preparation and dosing. It is commonly used as an herbal supplement to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. The herb is sourced from cultivated plants and is widely available in health food stores and online retailers. While generally considered safe, it's important to use standardized extracts to ensure consistent parthenolide content.

Benefits

Feverfew's primary benefit lies in migraine prevention. Systematic reviews suggest it can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, although study quality and preparation consistency vary. Some trials indicate a 20-50% reduction in migraine frequency compared to placebo after several weeks of consistent use. The active compound, parthenolide, is believed to play a key role in these effects. While some evidence suggests anti-inflammatory properties, these are not as well-established in human studies. Most research focuses on adults with migraines, and there is limited data on other populations. The clinical significance of feverfew's benefits depends on individual response and the severity of migraines.

How it works

Feverfew's mechanism of action primarily involves its active compound, parthenolide, which may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and serotonin release, both implicated in migraine pathophysiology. It interacts with the nervous and vascular systems, potentially reducing inflammation and pain associated with migraines. Parthenolide targets the NF-κB pathway, a key regulator of inflammation. While the exact absorption and bioavailability of parthenolide are not fully understood, ethanol extracts are known to contain significant amounts of this compound, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pharmacokinetic properties of parthenolide and its metabolites.

Side effects

Feverfew is generally considered safe, with mild side effects being the most common. These include gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic reactions. Uncommon side effects may include mouth ulcers and digestive issues. Rare side effects such as allergic contact dermatitis have also been reported. Feverfew may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs due to its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Caution is advised in children and individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. It's important to discontinue use before surgery due to its potential antiplatelet effects.

Dosage

The typical dosage of feverfew involves preparations containing 0.2-0.7% parthenolide, with a daily dose of 50-100 mg of dried leaf extract. However, optimal dosage ranges are not well-established due to variability in parthenolide content. Doses above 100 mg per day are less commonly studied. Consistent daily dosing is recommended for migraine prevention. Ethanol extracts may have higher parthenolide content than aqueous extracts, potentially affecting bioavailability. It is important to note that the maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, and users should start with a lower dose to assess tolerance. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to determine the appropriate dosage.

FAQs

How long should I use feverfew to see results?

Feverfew should be used consistently for several weeks to assess its efficacy in reducing migraine frequency. It is not an acute treatment but rather a preventive measure.

Is feverfew safe for everyone?

While generally safe, feverfew can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding and should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.

How should I take feverfew for migraine prevention?

Daily dosing is recommended for preventive effects. Follow the dosage guidelines on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional, typically 50-100mg of dried leaf extract.

What results can I expect from using feverfew?

A reduction in migraine frequency may be observed after several weeks of consistent use. However, individual results may vary, and feverfew is not a cure for migraines.

Is feverfew a cure for migraines?

No, feverfew is not a cure for migraines but may help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks when used consistently as a preventive measure.

Research Sources

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 examined the efficacy and safety of feverfew for migraine prevention. It concluded that feverfew is likely effective, but noted variability in study quality and preparation consistency, highlighting the need for standardized formulations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11276299/ – This study investigated the use of feverfew in migraine prophylaxis. The results suggested that feverfew can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, supporting its use as a preventive treatment.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-tanacetum-parthenium-l-schulz-bip-herba-revision-1_en.pdf – This final assessment report by the European Medicines Agency provides a comprehensive overview of feverfew, including its traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and safety profile. It serves as a regulatory document for the use of feverfew as a herbal medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3929876/ – This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of feverfew in reducing migraine symptoms. The study found that feverfew significantly reduced migraine symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting its potential as a prophylactic treatment.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6701 – This systematic review examined the efficacy of feverfew for migraines, noting mixed findings and highlighting the need for more consistent formulations and larger studies to confirm its benefits. The review emphasizes the importance of standardized extracts in future research.