# Tanacetum parthenium

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tanacetum-parthenium
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** feverfew, bachelor's buttons, featherfew, midsummer daisy, wild chamomile, flirtwort, vetter-voo, Santa Maria, altamisa, chrysanthemum parthenium, pyrethrum parthenium

## Overview

Tanacetum parthenium, commonly called feverfew, contains parthenolide as its primary bioactive sesquiterpene lactone, which inhibits platelet aggregation and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling. It is clinically studied for migraine prophylaxis, reducing attack frequency through inhibition of [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis and [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) release from platelets.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces migraine frequency by up to 1.8 attacks per month in high-frequency sufferers (≥4 baseline attacks) based on RCT evidence (PMID: 12230594)
• Decreases tension-type headache frequency from 11.97 to 5.13 attacks per 28 days in pediatric populations when combined with other nutraceuticals (PMID: 30871574)
• Reduces migraine pain intensity by 62.6% and duration by 76.2% when combined with Salix alba in open-label studies (PMID: 17163262)
• Provides [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through NF-κB inhibition and prostaglandin synthesis blockade based on mechanistic studies
• Shows potential for migraine prophylaxis supported by systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs (PMID: 41422534)

## Mechanism of Action

Parthenolide, the primary bioactive compound in Tanacetum parthenium, covalently modifies the p65 subunit of NF-κB, blocking transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-1β. It also inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing arachidonic acid release and downstream prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. Additionally, parthenolide inhibits [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) release from platelets and suppresses smooth muscle spasms in cerebral vasculature, directly addressing core mechanisms implicated in migraine pathophysiology.

## Clinical Summary

A double-blind RCT (PMID: 12230594) demonstrated that standardized feverfew extract reduced migraine frequency by approximately 1.8 attacks per month compared to placebo in patients experiencing four or more baseline monthly attacks, representing clinically meaningful prophylactic efficacy. In pediatric populations, a nutraceutical combination including feverfew reduced tension-type headache frequency from 11.97 to 5.13 attacks per 28 days, though the multi-ingredient design limits attribution to feverfew alone. Evidence is strongest for migraine prevention rather than acute treatment, and most positive trials use standardized extracts containing at least 0.2% parthenolide. Overall evidence quality is moderate, with some trials limited by small sample sizes and short durations of six to twelve weeks.

## Nutritional Profile

Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) is not consumed as a food for macronutrient value; it is used as an herbal medicine, and its nutritional relevance lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical profile. Key compounds include: • **Sesquiterpene lactones** – Parthenolide is the principal bioactive compound, typically present at 0.2–1.0% of leaf dry weight (standardized extracts often guarantee ≥0.2–0.7% parthenolide). Parthenolide inhibits NF-κB activation, suppresses pro-inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis, and modulates [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) release from platelets. Bioavailability of parthenolide is moderate orally but subject to first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); lipophilic formulations and CO₂-extracted preparations may improve absorption. Other sesquiterpene lactones include canin, artecanin, secotanapartholide A and B, and 3β-hydroxyparthenolide. • **Flavonoids** – Includes tanetin (a lipophilic flavonol, ~0.5–1.0% dry weight), apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, and santin. These contribute [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Apigenin and luteolin have moderate oral bioavailability (~5–10%) due to extensive glucuronidation. • **Volatile oils (essential oil)** – 0.02–0.07% of fresh herb; composed primarily of camphor (~40–55% of essential oil), camphene (~10–15%), p-cymene, bornyl acetate, β-farnesene, germacrene D, and chrysanthenyl acetate. These contribute to the herb's characteristic aroma and mild spasmolytic effects. • **Melatonin** – Feverfew leaves contain relatively high phytomelatonin levels (~2.45 µg/g dry weight), which may contribute to its headache-modulating properties. • **Phenolic acids** – Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid are present in minor quantities, providing antioxidant activity (ORAC-relevant). • **Tannins** – Present in trace amounts (~1–3% dry weight), contributing astringent properties. • **Micronutrients** – Not a significant dietary source; trace amounts of iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C are present in fresh leaf tissue but at levels too low to be nutritionally meaningful given typical dosing (50–150 mg dried leaf/day). • **Fiber and macronutrients** – Dried leaf contains roughly 8–12% crude protein, 3–5% lipids, 15–20% crude fiber, and ~50% carbohydrate on a dry weight basis, but these are irrelevant at medicinal doses. • **Bioavailability notes** – Parthenolide stability is a major concern: it degrades significantly during drying and storage, especially in powdered preparations. Fresh or freeze-dried leaf preparations and supercritical CO₂ extracts retain higher parthenolide content. Enteric-coated capsules may reduce gastric degradation. MiGreenol® (CO₂ extract) and standardized ethanol extracts (e.g., MIG-99, stable parthenolide content ~0.5%) have demonstrated improved and more consistent oral bioavailability in clinical trials. Co-administration with lipids may enhance parthenolide absorption due to its lipophilic nature (LogP ~1.7).

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include: MIG-99 standardized CO2 extract at 6.25 mg three times daily (18.75 mg/day total) for high-frequency migraine; leaf extract 300 mg twice daily (600 mg/day), often combined with Salix alba; fixed-dose nutraceutical combinations once daily. Standardization typically targets 0.2-0.8% parthenolide content. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

The most commonly reported adverse effects are mouth ulcers and oral [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), occurring in approximately 10–18% of users who chew fresh leaves, and GI disturbances such as nausea and abdominal pain. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can cause 'post-feverfew syndrome,' characterized by rebound headaches, anxiety, and muscle stiffness. Tanacetum parthenium inhibits platelet aggregation and should be used cautiously alongside anticoagulants such as warfarin or antiplatelet agents like aspirin and clopidogrel due to additive bleeding risk. It is contraindicated during pregnancy due to uterotonic properties of parthenolide, which may stimulate uterine contractions, and is not recommended during lactation.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes multiple RCTs with mixed results, including a 147-patient adaptive design trial showing benefit only in high-frequency migraine subgroups (PMID: 12230594), and a pediatric observational study (n=91) demonstrating significant headache reduction (PMID: 30871574). A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirms potential for migraine frequency and severity reduction (PMID: 41422534).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Feverfew has been used in European folk medicine for centuries to treat migraines, menstrual pain, toothaches, rheumatism, and fever, typically as leaf infusions. British herbalism and Mediterranean folk practices documented its use well before modern clinical trials began in the 1980s.

## Synergistic Combinations

Salix alba, CoQ10, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Andrographis paniculata

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much feverfew should I take to prevent migraines?

Clinical trials supporting migraine prophylaxis typically use standardized feverfew extracts delivering 0.2–0.6 mg of parthenolide per day, often corresponding to 50–300 mg of dried leaf extract. The WHO monograph recognizes 125 mg/day of dried leaf standardized to 0.2% parthenolide as a commonly studied dose. Effects are prophylactic and may require consistent daily use for four to six weeks before meaningful reduction in attack frequency is observed.

### Does feverfew stop a migraine once it has started?

Feverfew is not effective as an acute abortive treatment for an active migraine episode; its benefits are prophylactic rather than immediate. Its mechanisms — inhibiting platelet serotonin release and suppressing prostaglandin synthesis via phospholipase A2 — require sustained daily use over several weeks. Patients should continue evidence-based acute treatments such as triptans for active migraine attacks while using feverfew as a preventive strategy.

### Can children take feverfew for headaches?

Some clinical data suggest benefit in pediatric populations: one nutraceutical combination trial including feverfew reduced headache frequency from approximately 12 to 5 attacks per 28 days in children. However, feverfew as a standalone intervention is not well-validated in pediatric-specific RCTs, and the multi-ingredient designs of available studies make it difficult to isolate its contribution. Pediatric use should only occur under medical supervision, and it is generally not recommended for children under two years old.

### Is it safe to take feverfew with blood thinners like warfarin?

Feverfew should be used with caution alongside warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications because parthenolide inhibits platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid-dependent thromboxane synthesis, creating an additive bleeding risk. No large pharmacokinetic studies have formally quantified the magnitude of this interaction, so co-administration warrants INR monitoring if warfarin is involved. Patients on anticoagulation therapy should consult their prescribing physician before initiating feverfew supplementation.

### What is parthenolide and why does it matter in feverfew?

Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone concentrated in the leaves of Tanacetum parthenium and is considered the principal bioactive compound responsible for its anti-migraine and anti-inflammatory effects. It works by alkylating the p65 subunit of NF-κB, blocking inflammatory gene transcription, and by inhibiting phospholipase A2, which reduces prostaglandin and leukotriene production. Standardization to at least 0.2% parthenolide content is recommended by the WHO monograph to ensure consistent therapeutic activity across different feverfew preparations.

### How long does it take for feverfew to start working for migraine prevention?

Feverfew typically requires 4–12 weeks of consistent daily use before noticeable migraine reduction occurs, as the herb works as a preventive rather than acute treatment. Clinical trials showing significant reductions in migraine frequency (up to 1.8 fewer attacks per month) were conducted over 12–16 week periods, meaning patience and adherence are essential for assessing effectiveness. Individual response times vary, so continuation for at least 8–12 weeks is recommended before determining whether feverfew is beneficial for your specific situation.

### Is fresh feverfew leaf more effective than dried or standardized extracts?

Standardized feverfew extracts containing quantified parthenolide levels are generally preferred for consistent efficacy over fresh or dried leaves, which have highly variable parthenolide concentrations depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. Fresh feverfew leaves may provide benefits but are difficult to standardize and may cause mouth ulcers in sensitive individuals. Clinical trials demonstrating migraine reduction typically use standardized extracts rather than fresh material, making them the most evidence-supported form.

### Can feverfew be used alongside preventive migraine medications like topiramate or propranolol?

While feverfew is not known to have major direct interactions with common migraine preventives like topiramate or propranolol, combining supplements with prescription migraine medications requires consultation with a healthcare provider to assess individual safety profiles. Feverfew's mechanism of action (primarily via parthenolide's anti-inflammatory effects) differs from these medications, suggesting potential complementary use, but this combination has not been extensively studied in clinical trials. Your doctor should evaluate whether feverfew adds benefit or increases side effects in combination with your current migraine regimen.

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