Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) are little white daisies with yellow centers that are renowned for their use in Migraines. The specific epithet comes from the Greek term for the plant, “Parthenium”, as it was indicated for those who had fallen from the Parthenon during its construction. It was reportedly the “aspirin” of the 18th century.
Originally a Eurasian species, Feverfew is commonly cultivated world-wide in gardens for its cheery blossoms and often naturalizes in areas by reseeding, leading it to be considered an invasive weed in some areas of the globe.
Besides their use as an ornamental, they are wonderful cut flowers. I find it hilarious of all the plants I have in my garden, they seem to get the most compliments.
Feverfew has a long history of herbal use, particularly among early European and Greek herbalists, and has been traditionally used for the treatment of fevers (thus, the common name). However, a variety of other traditional uses exist, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive complaints, toothache, insect bites, menstruation, childbirth complications, and infertility, among other indications.
Today, Feverfew is commonly used not only for headache and migraines, but often also for arthritis and digestive issues. The balance of scientific substantiation on migraine and headache shows benefit.
Originally, parthenolide (a sesquiterpene lactone) was thought to be the active constituent for Feverfew, but now there is some uncertainty as there are a number of other possible actives reported in the literature, including melatonin and tanetin (flavonoid glycoside). Other constituents include a variety of flavonoids, such as apigenin and luteolin, and monoterpenes.
Traditionally, people would take Feverfew by just chewing its leaves, flowers or through extract form. Today, it is available in extract form, freeze-dried herb, or it can be used fresh (although some experience mouth ulcers).
The scientific evidence to date has found it to exhibit anti-inflammatory benefits, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities, yet there has been little scientific evidence for its use in arthritis. Other activities found through research include anticancer, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue and anthelmintic.
The anti-inflammatory effects of Feverfew may be due to a number of possible mechanisms found in the literature, including inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, COX-2, serum proteases, leukotrienes, and proinflammatory cytokines. The possible antimigraine mechanisms are also still being elucidated, and include the above anti-inflammatory effects, as well as other reported activities, such as inhibition of platelet aggregation, serotonin release, analgesic and antihistamine effects, melatonin balance, and irreversible inhibition of vascular muscle contraction.
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