Standardized Feverfew Extract
Also known as: Feverfew, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Mutterkraut, Tanacetum parthenium
Overview
Feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Its primary application is for migraine prevention, supported by numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses. The herb contains sesquiterpene lactones, with parthenolide recognized as the key active component responsible for its therapeutic effects. Current research shows a moderate maturity level, indicating an array of evidence-based practices, although variability in methodologies and outcomes has been noted. Feverfew is available primarily in standardized extract forms, typically containing 0.7% parthenolide, and is generally considered safe for short-term use.
Benefits
Feverfew has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. A systematic review of six randomized controlled trials indicated a notable reduction in frequency, with one study revealing a decrease from 4.76 to 1.93 attacks per month. Additionally, feverfew may alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with migraines, observed in two out of four trials assessing this symptom. The benefits are applicable to a wide age range, showing promise in patients aged 9 to 72 years. Although specific effect sizes are not consistently reported, reductions in migraine frequency and severity are clinically significant, enhancing patients' quality of life. Benefits typically manifest within 1 to 6 months of consistent treatment.
How it works
Feverfew's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to parthenolide, which inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes implicated in inflammatory processes and pain mediation. Additionally, it may influence serotonin handling and platelet aggregation, although evidence supporting these actions is inconsistent. The herb interacts with neurovascular systems, potentially mitigating the inflammatory and painful responses associated with migraines. Studies indicate parthenolide impacts molecular targets such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is crucial in inflammatory signaling pathways, contributing to its pain-relieving effects.
Side effects
Feverfew is generally well-tolerated, with few significant safety concerns. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, reported in over 5% of users, though these symptoms often occur at comparable rates to placebo groups. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis. Rarely (<1%), patients may experience withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of feverfew. Caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant therapy due to potential interactions affecting platelet activity. Usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally discouraged due to insufficient safety data, and careful consideration is warranted for children and the elderly.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of feverfew is not robustly defined, but clinical trials have utilized dosages ranging from 6.25 to 143 mg per day. Optimal dosages typically range from 50 to 100 mg of standardized extract containing 0.7% parthenolide, used for the daily prevention of migraines. No maximum safe dose is established, with studies reporting tolerability at doses up to 143 mg/day. Daily intake for 1 to 6 months is recommended for sustained benefits, and consistent use is critical for efficacy. The bioavailability of parthenolide can vary based on the extract formulation and the presence of synergistic compounds.
FAQs
How long does it take to see benefits?
Benefits are typically observed within 1 to 6 months of continuous use.
Can I use feverfew during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is generally advised to avoid its use during these periods due to limited safety data.
Are there any interactions with other medications?
Potential interactions with anticoagulants should be considered due to feverfew's effects on platelet activity.
Is feverfew safe for children and elderly?
While used across a broad age range, caution is advised due to limited specific studies.
What are common misconceptions about feverfew?
Feverfew is not a cure for migraines but is effective as a preventive treatment.
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 assessed the efficacy and safety of feverfew in migraine prevention, confirming its effectiveness with mild adverse effects. The review included six RCTs with a total of 363 patients, noting methodological limitations among the studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2867286/ – This study reviews 19 studies related to herbal treatments, highlighting both the benefits and risks associated with feverfew usage. It indicates mixed evidence of effectiveness and calls for more high-quality research to substantiate findings.
- https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?AccessionNumber=12001003607&AccessionNumber=12001003607 – This critical abstract summarizes findings from systematic reviews which indicated feverfew’s ability to reduce migraine frequency and severity with few side effects. It emphasizes the need for standardized outcome metrics in future studies.
- https://www.fundaciontn.es/docs/herb-dietary-supplement%20efficacy.pdf – This document critiques the research surrounding feverfew, summarizing its efficacy in preventing migraines while noting inconsistencies in the strength of evidence and the need for further high-quality clinical trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6701 – The research analyzes various herbal therapies, including feverfew, highlighting its potential but also indicating the risk of bias in many studies. The review underscores the need for additional rigorous research to fully establish its therapeutic value.
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