Feverfew Leaf Tanacetum parthenium

Double-blind withdrawal of feverfew leaf from migraine sufferers who were regular users led to a significant increase in the frequency and severity of headaches (see Chapter 30). A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial subsequently found that feverfew was an effective prophylactic migraine agent. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide is considered to be an important constituent, but other constituents may also play a significant role. 

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More than 11,000 Sesquiterpenes have been isolated from natural sources [3]. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip.,. Compositae) is a common herb utilized for fever, arthritis and migraine. The leaves of feverfew contain large amounts of sesquiterpene lactones. The chloroform extracts of fresh leaves and a commercial leaf product show dose-dependent inhibiting the production of throboxane B2 (TXB2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in rat and human leukocytes. Sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the leaves of feverfew, such as parthenolide and tanaparthin-a-peroxide, demonstrate potent dual inhibitions of COX and LOX pathways with IC50 for COX at 6 17 pg/ml, and for LOX at 12 17 pg/ml, respectively [135],... 

Tanacetum parthenium Chrysanthemum parthenium) is known feverfew. "Feverfew" comes from the Latin fetrifugia meaning driver out of fevers and it has been used for centuries as an antipyretic. Traditionally, the leaves or infussions of the herb have long been used as a febrifuge and to relieve menstrual and rheumatic pain and migraine [11]. Nowadays standardized feverfew capsules containing the leaf extract are available in the market. 

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