feverfew

Feverfew is a perennial herb (*Tanacetum parthenium*) from the Asteraceae family, traditionally used for centuries in European and Mediterranean herbal medicine. The main active compound is **parthenolide**, a sesquiterpene lactone concentrated in the leaves and flowers. Feverfew's best-studied and most common use is for the **prevention of migraine headaches**[1][2][3]. Its pharmacological effects derive primarily from anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet mechanisms, notably inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes, as well as noncompetitive inhibition of serotonin-mediated vascular smooth muscle spasmogenesis. Other documented uses include management of **fevers, arthritis, menstrual irregularities, stomach aches, toothache, insect bites, and inflammatory skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis)**[1][3][5][6][8]. There is limited and mixed clinical evidence for most uses except migraine prophylaxis; preclinical and mechanistic data suggest wide-ranging anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial effects, mainly attributable to parthenolide and flavonoid glycosides[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

featherfewfebrifuge plantwild chamomilebachelor's buttonsmidsummer daisy