# Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/feverfew
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Tanacetum parthenium, Bachelor's buttons, Featherfew, Flirtwort, Midsummer daisy, Santa Maria, Wild chamomile, Pyrethrum parthenium

## Overview

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a European herb containing parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone that demonstrates Fe²⁺-chelating activity and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. The herb also provides flavonoids including luteolin (0.84% d.w.) and apigenin (0.68% d.w.) that contribute to its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties - Contains parthenolide with Fe²⁺-chelating activity and flavonoids like luteolin (0.84% d.w.) and apigenin (0.68% d.w.) [preliminary evidence only]
• Traditional migraine support - Used historically in European medicine, though no clinical trials provided in available research
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity - Preclinical data suggests potential, but human evidence not available
• Traditional fever reduction - Historical use documented, but no clinical validation in provided sources
• Menstrual support - Traditional application noted, but lacks modern clinical evidence

## Mechanism of Action

Parthenolide, feverfew's primary bioactive compound, chelates Fe²⁺ ions and inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediator production. The flavonoids luteolin and apigenin scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s through phenolic hydroxyl groups and modulate antioxidant enzyme activity. These compounds may also influence [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors and platelet aggregation, though specific receptor interactions require further research.

## Clinical Summary

Current clinical evidence for feverfew remains limited, with most research consisting of preliminary in vitro studies examining [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity and compound identification. Traditional use studies from European medicine document historical migraine applications, but no randomized controlled trials with specific dosages, sample sizes, or quantified outcomes are available in the current research base. The evidence strength is considered preliminary, requiring controlled human studies to establish therapeutic efficacy. Bioactive compound concentrations have been quantified through analytical chemistry methods but lack clinical correlation.

## Nutritional Profile

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is consumed primarily as a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient contributions at typical doses (50–150 mg dried leaf/day) are negligible. Bioactive compounds dominate its nutritional-pharmacological profile: Sesquiterpene lactones are the primary actives, with parthenolide being the most characterized (0.2–0.9% d.w. in dried leaves, varying significantly by chemotype and geographic origin); parthenolide exhibits Fe²⁺-chelating ([antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)) activity and is considered the principal marker compound. Flavonoids are well-documented, including luteolin at approximately 0.84% d.w. and apigenin at approximately 0.68% d.w., both with established antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) preclinical profiles; chrysoeriol and quercetin derivatives are also reported in smaller quantities. Volatile oils (0.02–0.07% d.w.) include camphor, camphene, and bornyl acetate as major constituents. Polyacetylenes and melatonin (trace levels, ~2.45 µg/g d.w.) have been detected in leaf tissue. Conventional micronutrients (vitamins A, C, calcium, iron) are present at low but non-zero levels in the whole herb, though at medicinal doses these contributions are clinically insignificant. Dietary fiber is present in whole-leaf preparations but unquantified at therapeutic doses. Bioavailability note: Parthenolide bioavailability is considered moderate; it is lipophilic and absorption may be enhanced with dietary fat, but undergoes significant first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); standardized extracts (≥0.2% parthenolide) are used in research to control dose variability.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardization details are available in the current research. Standardized extracts often target parthenolide content (0.2-1.2% in leaves), but human dosing studies are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Feverfew may cause mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal upset, and contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The herb can interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet function and should be avoided with warfarin or similar blood thinners. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid feverfew as safety data is insufficient and traditional use suggests uterine stimulant properties. Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) may experience cross-reactive allergic responses.

## Scientific Research

The available research lacks human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on feverfew efficacy. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies on chemical composition, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties, and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Feverfew has been used in European traditional medicine for centuries to treat migraines, fevers, arthritis, and menstrual issues. Its pharmacological significance is attributed to sesquiterpene lactones (particularly parthenolide), flavonoids, and essential oils.

## Synergistic Combinations

Magnesium, Riboflavin (B2), Butterbur, Ginger, CoQ10

## Known Interactions

| Substance | Severity | Summary | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterbur | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Butterbur can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/butterbur |
| Devil's Claw | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Devil's Claw can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/devils-claw |
| Arnica | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Arnica can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/arnica |
| Comfrey | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Comfrey can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/comfrey |
| Marshmallow Root | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Marshmallow Root can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/marshmallow-root |
| Slippery Elm | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Slippery Elm can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/slippery-elm |
| Isotretinoin | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Isotretinoin can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/isotretinoin |
| Dapsone | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Dapsone can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/dapsone |
| Azathioprine | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Azathioprine can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/azathioprine |
| Mycophenolate | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Mycophenolate can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/mycophenolate |
| Cyclosporine | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Cyclosporine can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/cyclosporine |
| Febuxostat | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Febuxostat can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/febuxostat |
| Penicillamine | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Penicillamine can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/penicillamine |
| Turmeric Latte | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Turmeric Latte can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/turmeric-latte |
| Matcha | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Matcha can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/matcha |
| Kombucha | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Kombucha can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/kombucha |
| Energy Drinks | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Energy Drinks can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/energy-drinks |
| Nicotine | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Nicotine can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/nicotine |
| Vitamin E | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Vitamin E can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/vitamin-e |
| Vitamin B1 | SAFE | 🟢 SAFE — Feverfew and Vitamin B1 can be taken together safely. | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/vitamin-b1 |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is parthenolide in feverfew?

Parthenolide is feverfew's primary bioactive sesquiterpene lactone compound that provides Fe²⁺-chelating activity and inhibits NF-κB inflammatory pathways. This compound is responsible for many of feverfew's proposed therapeutic effects and anti-inflammatory properties.

### How much luteolin and apigenin does feverfew contain?

Feverfew contains approximately 0.84% dry weight luteolin and 0.68% dry weight apigenin based on analytical studies. These flavonoids contribute to the herb's antioxidant capacity through free radical scavenging mechanisms.

### Can feverfew interact with blood thinning medications?

Yes, feverfew may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to potential effects on platelet aggregation and blood clotting mechanisms. Patients taking blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using feverfew supplements.

### Is feverfew safe during pregnancy?

Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy as safety data is insufficient and traditional use suggests potential uterine stimulant properties. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid feverfew supplements until more safety research is available.

### What are common side effects of feverfew?

Common feverfew side effects include mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. People allergic to Asteraceae family plants may experience cross-reactive allergic responses including skin irritation or respiratory symptoms.

### What is the difference between dried feverfew leaf and feverfew extract supplements?

Dried feverfew leaf supplements contain whole plant material with naturally occurring parthenolide and flavonoids, while extracts are concentrated forms that may standardize parthenolide content for consistency. Extract forms typically deliver higher parthenolide levels per dose compared to equivalent amounts of dried leaf, though bioavailability differences between the two forms have not been extensively studied in human trials. The choice between forms often depends on individual tolerance and desired potency levels.

### Does feverfew have any antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects beyond migraine support?

Preclinical research suggests feverfew has antimicrobial and general anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to parthenolide and its flavonoid content, though human clinical evidence for these applications is currently unavailable. Most traditional and contemporary use focuses on migraine support rather than these broader applications. More human studies are needed to establish whether feverfew's antimicrobial or systemic anti-inflammatory effects are clinically relevant at typical supplement doses.

### Who should avoid feverfew, and are there specific populations at higher risk for adverse effects?

People with ragweed or chrysanthemum allergies should avoid feverfew due to cross-reactivity risk, and those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised against feverfew supplementation due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should also avoid feverfew, as it may have mild antiplatelet properties.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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