Feverfew

by MedlinePlus

Feverfew is an herb that has been used traditionally as an antipyretic, as its name denotes, although this effect has not been well studied.

Feverfew is most commonly used orally for the prevention of migraine headache. There is a biochemical basis for this use in pre-clinical studies reporting anti-inflammatory and vascular (inhibition of vasoconstriction) effects. Several controlled 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 patients who experience chronic migraines. However, this research has been poorly designed and reported. Evidence from an adequately powered randomized trial comparing feverfew to placebo and other migraine therapies is warranted before a strong recommendation can be made.

There is currently inconclusive evidence regarding the use of feverfew for symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Feverfew appears to be well tolerated in clinical trials, with a mild and reversible side effects profile. The most common adverse effect appears to be mouth ulceration and inflammation with direct exposure to leaves. Pre-clinical reports of platelet aggregation inhibition suggest a theoretical increased risk of bleeding.

Synonyms

Altamisa, bachelor's button, camomille grande, crysanthemum parthenium, featherfew, featherfoil, febrifuge plant, federfoy, flirtwort, Leucanthemum parthenium , Matricaria capensis , matricaria eximia hort, Matricaria parthenium L., midsummer daisy, mother herb, mutterkraut, nosebleed, Parthenium hysterophorus , parthenolide, Pyrenthrum parthenium L., santa maria, Tanacetum parthenium , wild chamomile, wild quinine.

Selected combination products:Few Gs (feverfew, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng and ginger), Tanacet® (125 milligrams feverfew leaf powder).

Evidence

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.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Migraine headache prevention

Feverfew is often taken by mouth for the prevention of migraine headaches. Laboratory studies show that feverfew can reduce inflammation and prevent blood vessel constriction (squeezing) that may lead to headaches. Most of the available human studies are not high quality, and report mixed results. However, overall they do suggest that feverfew may reduce the number of headaches that occur in people with frequent migraines. A large, well-designed study comparing feverfew to placebo and other migraine treatments is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Rheumatoid arthritis

It is not clear if feverfew if helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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.

Abdominal pain, anemia, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, asthma, blood vessel dilation (relaxation), breast cancer, cancer, central nervous system diseases, colds, constipation, diarrhea, digestion, dizziness, fever, joint pain, induction of labor/abortion, heart muscle injury, insect bites, insect repellant, leishmaniasis, leukemia, menstrual cramps, neurological complications of malaria, pancreatic cancer, promotion of menstruation, rash, ringing in the ears, skin cancer, toothache, tranquilizer, uterine disorders.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

The active agent in feverfew is thought to be parthenolide, although this has been questioned recently. The amount of parthenolide may vary depending on the origin of the plant or the parts of the plant included in a feverfew product. Recent research reports that different products sold in stores may contain very different amounts of parthenolide. In England and Canada, feverfew products are standardized to contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolide. In France, products contain at least 0.1 percent parthenolide. There are no standard or well-studied doses of feverfew, and many different doses are used traditionally.

Adults (18 years and older)

Migraine headache prevention: Traditional doses by mouth include 2 to 3 dried leaves (approximately 60 milligrams) taken daily, or 50 to 250 milligrams of a dried leaf preparation taken daily, standardized to 0.2% parthenolide (a common dose is 125 milligrams daily). Human studies have used 50 to 114 milligrams of feverfew powdered leaves daily, packed into capsules, standardized to 0.2% parthenolide, or 0.50 milligrams of parthenolide daily.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Doses of 70 to 86 milligrams of dried chopped feverfew leaves in capsules, taken once daily, have been used.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific information to safely recommend feverfew for use in children.

About the Author

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