Tanacetum parthenium

Related Terms

6-Hydroxykaempferol, alpha-pinene, altamisa, apigenin, bachelor's button, camomille grande (French), camphene, camphor, Crysanthemum parthenium, (E)-beta-ocimene, (E)-chrysanthenol, (E)-chrysanthenyl acetate, featherfew, featherfoil, febrifuge plant, federfoy, flirtwort, gamma-terpinene, germacranolide sesquiterpene, golden feverfew, Leucanthemum parthenium, limonene, linalool, lipophilic flavonoids, luteolin 7-glucuronides, Matricaria capensis, Matricaria eximia hort., Matricaria parthenium L., michefuscalide, midsummer daisy, MIG-99, Mig-RL, monoterpenes, mother herb, Mutterkraut (German), nosebleed, Parthenium hysterophorus, parthenolide, p-cymene, Pyrenthrum parthenium L., quercetagetin, santa maria, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpenes, Tanacetum parthenium, Tanacetum parthenium L. Sch.-Bip., tanetin, tannins, wild chamomile, wild quinine.
Selected combination products: Few Gs (feverfew, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, and ginger), Tanacet? (125mg of feverfew leaf powder), GelStatT Migraine (combination of ginger and feverfew), Lomigran capsules (0.1mg of feverfew sesquiterpene lactones per capsule), Mig-RL?.

Background

Feverfew is an herb that has been used traditionally for fevers, as its name denotes, although this effect lacks quality research.
Feverfew is most commonly taken by mouth to prevent migraine headache. Several human trials have been conducted with mixed results. Overall, these studies suggest that feverfew taken daily as dried leaf capsules may reduce the incidence of headache attacks in people who experience chronic migraines. However, this research has been poorly designed and reported.
There is inconclusive evidence regarding the use of feverfew for treating migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, itching, and skin irritation.
Feverfew appears to be well tolerated with some mild side effects. The most common side effects appears to be mouth ulcers and inflammation due to exposure to feverfew leaves. In theory, there may be an increased risk of bleeding.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Feverfew is often taken by mouth for the prevention of migraine headaches. Overall, human research suggests that feverfew may reduce the number of headaches in people with frequent migraines. A large, well-designed study comparing feverfew to other migraine treatments is needed before a conclusion can be made.

A


Feverfew is often taken by mouth for the prevention of migraine headaches. Overall, human research suggests that feverfew may reduce the number of headaches in people with frequent migraines. A large, well-designed study comparing feverfew to other migraine treatments is needed before a conclusion can be made.

A


Limited research shows that feverfew cream reduced itching, but was less effective than steroid cream. Additional higher quality studies are needed before conclusions may be made.

 C


Limited research shows that feverfew cream reduced itching, but was less effective than steroid cream. Additional higher quality studies are needed before conclusions may be made.

 C


In two clinical trials by the same researcher, a combination product (LipiGesicT M) that contained feverfew and ginger showed effectiveness in treating migraine headaches. Trials that study feverfew alone in the treatment of migraine headaches are needed before conclusions can be reached.

 C


In two clinical trials by the same researcher, a combination product (LipiGesicT M) that contained feverfew and ginger showed effectiveness in treating migraine headaches. Trials that study feverfew alone in the treatment of migraine headaches are needed before conclusions can be reached.

 C


It is unclear if feverfew is helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain. Further research is needed.

 C


It is unclear if feverfew is helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain. Further research is needed.

 C


Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, feverfew may have beneficial effects when used on the skin to prevent irritation. One small study found a beneficial effect of an extract of feverfew for reducing redness caused by an irritating chemical.

 C


Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, feverfew may have beneficial effects when used on the skin to prevent irritation. One small study found a beneficial effect of an extract of feverfew for reducing redness caused by an irritating chemical.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For migraine headache prevention, traditional doses include 2-3 dried leaves (approximately 60-86 milligrams) or 50-250 milligrams of a dried leaf preparation taken by mouth daily, standardized to 0.2% parthenolide. Clinical trials have used 50-143 milligrams feverfew powdered leaves or granulated feverfew for 1-6 months, or 2.08-18.75 milligrams of a CO2-extract of feverfew (MIG-99) taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks. Also in one study, feverfew treatment containing 5 milliliters of sap was taken by mouth daily for 30-60 days.
For reducing itch, a cream containing feverfew (Aveeno?) has been applied to the skin for four weeks.
For rheumatoid arthritis, capsules containing 70-86 milligrams of dried, powdered feverfew leaf, corresponding to 2-3 micromoles parthenolide, were taken by mouth once daily for six weeks.
For reducing skin irritation and inflammation, 2 microliters per centimeter squared of 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% parthenolide-depleted extract of feverfew (PD-FF) has been applied to the forearm skin once, 30 minutes prior to methyl nicotinate exposure.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Feverfew may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Feverfew may also interact with agents that affect the nervous system, agents that ease arthritis pain, agents that constrict blood vessels, agents that increase sensitivity to sunlight, agents that induce abortion, agents that stop blood vessel growth, anesthetics, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)), antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antimalarial agents, antiprotozoals, barbiturates, blood agents, doxorubicin, heart agents, pain relievers, paclitaxel, salicylates, sedatives, skin agents, stomach or intestinal agents, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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