Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review

Abstract

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth. The feverfew herb has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine, especially among Greek and early European herbalists. Feverfew has also been used for psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The plant contains a large number of natural products, but the active principles probably include one or more of the sesquiterpene lactones known to be present, including parthenolide. Other potentially active constituents include flavonoid glycosides and pinenes. It has multiple pharmacologic properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, an emmenagogue, and as an enema for worms. In this review, we have explored the various dimensions of the feverfew plant and compiled its vast pharmacologic applications to comprehend and synthesize the subject of its potential image of multipurpose medicinal agent. The plant is widely cultivated to large regions of the world and its importance as a medicinal plant is growing substantially with increasing and stronger reports in support of its multifarious therapeutic uses.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential of Aerial Parts of Iranian Tanacetum parthenium

“…In most cases, camphor (42-60%), chrysanthenyl acetate (13-25%), camphen (1.5-12%) and p-Cymene (0.1-5.2%) are the main components together with various secondary components. 11,12,14,15 Other scientific data (such as phenolic and fatty acid compounds) on the genus are very limited. Therefore, The objective of this study was to analyze the essential oil, fatty acids, flavonoid, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of T. parthenium oil grown collected from Guilan, North of Iran.…”

“…11,12 Also, it had been used us an insect repellant and had antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activity. 12,13 Flavonoids, parthenolide and a number of related sesquiterpene lactones considered to be responsible for these activities. 12 There are several reports on the volatile oil composition of T. parthenium.…”

“…12,13 Flavonoids, parthenolide and a number of related sesquiterpene lactones considered to be responsible for these activities. 12 There are several reports on the volatile oil composition of T. parthenium. In most cases, camphor (42-60%), chrysanthenyl acetate (13-25%), camphen (1.5-12%) and p-Cymene (0.1-5.2%) are the main components together with various secondary components.…”

“…2,4,12 Therefore, it would be valuable to determine these antioxidants of the plant oil. To our knowledge, there are no publisheds report on total Phenolic and flavonoid contents of wild T. parthenium essential oil in Iran.…”

Complementary and alternative medicine: Herbals and supplements: A review for the primary care physician

“…The active principles, sesquiterpene lactone -parthenolide and flavanoid glycosides, have anti-inflammatory properties [55]. Double-blind placebocontrolled studies have shown no apparent difference in clinical response between oral feverfew capsules and placebo at six weeks [56].…”