Sesquiterpene lactones, feverfew constituent

The primary active chemical constituent in feverfew is parthenolide, a sesquiterpenoid lactone (figure 8.8) (Robbers et al. 1996). Levels of sesquiterpene lactones vary across different types of extracts ethanol extracts contain about 0.5%, whereas aqueous ones contain 0.3% (Gromek et al. 1991). The sesquiterpene lactones in feverfew inhibit the... 

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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