Feverfew, known scientifically as Tanacetum parthenium, is an herb widely used throughout Europe and the Americas. Its common name stems from its use in folk medicine for treating fevers, although feverfew is no longer sought for its temperature reducing effects. Resembling a small daisy plant, it is mainly the leaves that are used in herbal remedies today, although the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that all parts of the plant have medicinal benefits. Feverfew is available fresh, dried or as a capsule, liquid or tablet supplement.
Reduces Migraine Attacks
Feverfew is often used for its effects on migraine headaches. Some people who often experience migraine attacks ingested dried leaf feverfew capsules, or two to three fresh feverfew leaves per day, and found that they had reduced incidences of attack and felt much better during the attack, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Regular ingestion of feverfew may help prevent the onset of the migraine attacks by preventing the constriction of blood vessels, one of the migraine's leading causes.
Relieves Arthritis
Feverfew is often recommended for use against arthritis, although the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, reports that it may only have an effect on those with mild symptoms. In Japan, researchers at the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine tested feverfew in animal models of arthritis. NF-kappaB is a protein in the body that can trigger inflammatory responses, which can lead to arthritis. When parthenolide, which is the active compound in feverfew, was tested against NFkappaB, it showed the ability to inhibit the activity of the inflammatory protein, and to lessen the severity of arthritic joint damage, according to the results of the study published in the April 2009 issue of the "Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology."
Anticancer Effects
The benefits of feverfew may include anticancer effects. The NF-kappaB protein that can trigger inflammation can also signal tumor development, according to the April 2002 issue of "Nature Reviews Cancer." As noted in the "Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology" study, the active component in feverfew, parthenolide, is effective at suppressing the activity of NF-kappaB, which contributes to its anticancer effects. A study from Clemson University in South Carolina tested feverfew against breast cancer and cervical cancer cells. The results, published in the Spring 2006 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food," showed that feverfew stopped the growth of all of the cancer cells.
Negative Effects
As with any herb, a user can experience negative effects. Feverfew has a blood thinning effect, so if you are on any type of anticoagulant medication, it may enhance its actions to a dangerous level, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you have allergies to ragweed, marigolds or mums, you may also experience an allergic reaction to feverfew. MSKCC also notes that intestinal distress is occasionally reported with feverfew use, along with mouth sores if fresh leaves are chewed. The NCCAM also reports that feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy, as it has the potential to cause the uterus to contract, which could result in premature delivery or even miscarriage.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feverfew
- PubMed: Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: Antimigraine activity of feverfew extracts
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Feverfew
- PubMed: Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology: Application of NFkappaB inhibitor for arthritis
- PubMed: Natural Reviews.Cancer: NF-kappaB in cancer: from innocent bystander to major culpri
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