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Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is a short, bushy perennial that grows along fields and roadsides. Its yellow-green leaves and yellow flowers resemble those of chamomile, for which it is sometimes confused. The flowers bloom from July to October. The leaves are used in medicinal preparations. Feverfew enjoyed wide use by British herbalists as an analgesic in the treatment of fevers and arthritis, but faded into obscurity. Feverfew has a long history of use as a treatment for disorders often controlled by aspirin, such as fever, headaches and some of the accompanying symptoms such as nausea and depression, as well as joint pain, stomach aches and menstrual pain. Feverfew has recently been shown to be an effective treatment for migraine headaches, and may also help ease diseases caused by chronic inflammation such as arthritis. Feverfew is rich in compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones (STL). The most important of these compounds is parthenolide. Other lactones include chrysanthenyl and michefuscalide. The flowering plant and especially the leaves of the English variety of Tanacetum parthenium contain ethereal oil, camphor, borneol, pinene, and above all sesquiterpene lactones. Sesquiterpene lactones which have been isolated include michefuscalide, cis-chrysanthenyl acetate, and parthenolide, which is the dominant component quantitatively and which therefore can be considered the chief substance. Feverfew, and specifically parthenolide, inhibits platelet aggregation and histamine release. It has also been shown to inhibit release of serotonin from platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules. This is believed to reduce the severity, duration and frequency of migraine headaches and lead to an improvement in blood vessel tone. Feverfew also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and the release of arachidonic acid. This action may explain its historical use for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis Clinical Applications. Feverfew inhibits the release of two inflammatory substances, serotonin and prostaglandins, and by inhibiting these amines as well as the production of histamine, the herb controls inflammation that constricts blood vessels in the head, and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches. Feverfew also relaxes smooth muscles in the uterus, promoting menstrual flow and inhibiting excessive blood clotting. In addition, feverfew may be effective in treating asthma and skin rashes.

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