Feverfew - NutraPedia

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Feverfew: Benefits and Downsides

1. Conditions Studied

Feverfew has been studied for various conditions, including:

  • Migraine prevention
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus
  • Asthma
  • Allergic reactions
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

2. Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on feverfew's efficacy in treating conditions shows mixed results:

  • Migraines: Some studies suggest that feverfew might reduce the frequency of migraines in some individuals.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: There is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of feverfew for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Other conditions: There is limited or no reliable evidence supporting the use of feverfew for other conditions.

3. Health Benefits

Feverfew is said to offer several health benefits:

  • May reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties could potentially aid with joint pain and inflammation.
  • Some traditional uses include fever reduction and improving digestion.

4. Downsides

While feverfew is natural, it is not without potential downsides:

  • Can cause side effects like abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
  • May lead to increased bleeding risk, especially if taken with other blood thinners.
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and joint stiffness can occur if stopped abruptly after long-term use.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks to the baby.

5. Genetic Variations and Feverfew

Research on the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of feverfew is limited. However:

  • Some individuals may metabolize feverfew differently due to genetic differences, affecting its efficacy and safety.
  • People with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, like chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, may have an increased risk of an allergic reaction.
  • More research is needed to understand the full impact of genetic variations on the use of feverfew.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Research Summary

Overview

Feverfew, a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for treating fevers, migraines, arthritis, and other ailments. Its cultivation is gaining global recognition due to emerging research supporting its diverse medicinal benefits.

Active Compounds and Properties

Key active compounds include sesquiterpene lactones like parthenolide, flavonoid glycosides, and pinenes. Feverfew exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-spasmodic pharmacological properties.

Medicinal Applications

Traditionally used for migraines, arthritis, digestive issues, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, and nausea, Feverfew's diverse applications are supported by research, including its potential in epilepsy treatment through GABA receptor affinity and its melatonin content, offering insights into its neurological effects.

Quality and Efficacy Concerns

Studies highlight the variation in Feverfew extract quality, with some commercial extracts not meeting label claims for parthenolide content, emphasizing the need for improved quality control in the manufacturing process.

Therapeutic Potential and Research Needs

While Feverfew shows promise in medicinal use, systematic and scientific research is necessary to confirm clinical claims and understand potential drug interactions and toxicities.

Conclusion

With its growing significance in traditional and modern medicine, Feverfew's efficacy in various treatments is under continuous investigation, encouraging a deeper understanding of its therapeutic potential and safe use.

References:


  1. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review
  2. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects
  3. Bioassay-guided isolation of apigenin with GABA-benzodiazepine activity from Tanacetum parthenium
  4. Measurement of melatonin in alcoholic and hot water extracts of Tanacetum parthenium, Tripleurospermum disciforme and Viola odorata
  5. Melatonin in feverfew and other medicinal plants
  6. Selected physical and chemical properties of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) extracts important for formulated product quality and performance
  7. 5-Hydroxytryptamine-inhibiting property of Feverfew: role of parthenolide content
  8. Parthenolide inhibits the contractile responses of rat stomach fundus to fenfluramine and dextroamphetamine but not serotonin
  9. Biflavones from Rhus species with affinity for the GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptor
  10. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects
  11. Overview--flavonoids: a new family of benzodiazepine receptor ligands
  12. Reversal of cocaine-induced planarian behavior by parthenolide and related sesquiterpene lactones
  13. Parthenolide prevents the expression of cocaine-induced withdrawal behavior in planarians
  14. Parthenolide Blocks Cocaine's Effect on Spontaneous Firing Activity of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area
  15. Parthenolide inhibits the LPS-induced secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α and NF-κB nuclear translocation in BV-2 microglia
  16. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger (LipiGesic™ M) in the treatment of migraine
  17. Gelstat Migraine (sublingually administered feverfew and ginger compound) for acute treatment of migraine when administered during the mild pain phase
  18. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
  19. The efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis--a double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study
  20. Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba (Mig-RL) combination in migraine prophylaxis: a prospective, open-label study
  21. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention
  22. A combination of riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial
  23. Feverfew for migraine prophylaxis
  24. Feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review
  25. The anti-inflammatory natural product parthenolide from the medicinal herb Feverfew directly binds to and inhibits IkappaB kinase
  26. Parthenolide-induced apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and anti-fibrotic effects in an in vivo rat model
  27. Parthenolide, an inhibitor of the nuclear factor-κB pathway, ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice
  28. Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
  29. Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in leukocytes by feverfew. Involvement of sesquiterpene lactones and other components
  30. Pharmacological activity of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.): assessment by inhibition of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemiluminescence in-vitro
  31. Extract of feverfew inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis
  32. The active principle in feverfew
  33. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors in feverfew
  34. A platelet phospholipase inhibitor from the medicinal herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
  35. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in mouse macrophage cells by feverfew supercritical extract
  36. Platelets and megakaryocytes contain functional nuclear factor-kappaB
  37. Demonstration of an activation regulated NF-kappaB/I-kappaBalpha complex in human platelets
  38. The Feverfew plant-derived compound, parthenolide enhances platelet production and attenuates platelet activation through NF-κB inhibition
  39. An extract of feverfew inhibits interactions of human platelets with collagen substrates
  40. Extracts of feverfew may inhibit platelet behaviour via neutralization of sulphydryl groups
  41. A comparison of the effects of an extract of feverfew and parthenolide, a component of feverfew, on human platelet activity in-vitro
  42. Effects of an extract of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) on arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood platelets
  43. Inhibition of platelet behaviour by feverfew: a mechanism of action involving sulphydryl groups
  44. Activation of antioxidant response element in mouse primary cortical cultures with sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Tanacetum parthenium
  45. Suppressed NF-kappaB and sustained JNK activation contribute to the sensitization effect of parthenolide to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in human cancer cells
  46. Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. The anticancer effect of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide
  47. Parthenolide-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells involves reactive oxygen species generation and cell sensitivity depends on catalase activity
  48. Nuclear factor-kappa B, cancer, and apoptosis
  49. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide in combination with docetaxel reduces metastasis and improves survival in a xenograft model of breast cancer
  50. Susceptibility of cholangiocarcinoma cells to parthenolide-induced apoptosis
  51. Stat3 is required for the development of skin cancer
  52. Constitutive activation of Stat3 signaling pathway in human colorectal carcinoma
  53. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 5b activation enhances hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
  54. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in breast cancer: analysis with tissue microarray
  55. Molecular basis of parthenolide-dependent proapoptotic activity in cancer cells
  56. The JAK-STAT pathway: a therapeutic target in hematological malignancies
  57. STAT3 is constitutively activated and supports cell survival in association with survivin expression in gastric cancer cells
  58. Chemopreventive activity of parthenolide against UVB-induced skin cancer and its mechanisms
  59. Parthenolide protects human lens epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via inhibition of activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9
  60. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide induces apoptosis of human acute myelogenous leukemia stem and progenitor cells
  61. Reversibility of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis following treatment for hepatitis C
  62. Mechanisms of spontaneous resolution of rat liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and reduced hepatic expression of metalloproteinase inhibitors
  63. The role and regulation of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis in reversal of liver fibrosis
  64. Parthenium dermatitis presenting as erythroderma
  65. Parthenium: a wide angle view
  66. Two cases of compositae dermatitis exacerbated by moisturizer containing feverfew
  67. Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients
  68. A reproductive screening test of feverfew: is a full reproductive study warranted?


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