Migraines affect approximately 12 percent of the United States population. They are caused by aberrant activation of nerve fibers, which can lead to excessive blood vessel constriction and decreased oxygen levels within the brain. To compensate for this and increase oxygen flow into the brain, other blood vessels dilate very widely which causes severely painful headaches. Migraines are associated with nausea, light and audio sensitivity, visual auras, and painful headaches that can last for days.
Pharmacological Treatment
Triptans are a popular medication for the relief of migraine symptoms. Triptans increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, an important protein within the brain that regulates and increases blood vessel constriction, relieving the pain caused by overly dilated brain blood vessels during a migraine attack. While largely effective, these medications are not without side effects, including the induction of serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal, dramatic increase of serotonin levels in the brain.
Pharmacological Prevention
Medications such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants are used to prevent migraines. Antiserotonergic compounds that inhibit serotonin signaling also play a role in migraine prevention; a balance in serotonin levels is essential with migraines. High levels of serotonin relieve migraine pain by decreasing blood vessel dilation; however, high levels of serotonin are also important in the excessive blood vessel constriction during the initial stage of a migraine. These medications may also have potential side effects.
Natural Treatment
Feverfew is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, which includes such plants as ragweed, marigolds and daises. Originating in the Balkan mountain range of Eastern Europe, feverfew can now be found throughout Europe, North and South America. As an herbal treatment, people have used the leaves of feverfew for centuries as an oral treatment for various maladies including menstrual cramps, fevers, and headaches. This herb is also used as a preventative treatment for migraines.
Feverfew's Mechanism of Action
Feverfew has anti-inflammatory properties that could play an important role in the relief of headaches. Furthermore, in rats, feverfew also can inhibit serotonin signaling in the brain. High serotonin levels can induce excessive blood vessel constriction, initiating a migraine. By blocking this signaling, feverfew might inhibit the initial stages of a migraine. However, according to MedlinePlus, the effectiveness of feverfew as a preventive agent for migraines in humans is contradictory and confusing. Better designed experiments are necessary.
Feverfew Contraindications
For adults, feverfew is largely considered safe, with only minor side effects. Nothing is truly safe, however. Susceptible individuals allergic to ragweed or other plants related to feverfew might undergo a potentially dangerous allergic reaction. Feverfew is not suggested for pregnant women because of the possibility of miscarriage. Feverfew may also interact with blood clotting drugs and can interact with several liver enzymes. Consult your doctor before ingesting it, and use caution.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - NIH: Headache - Hope through Research
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; Is the 5-HT7 Receptor Involved in the Pathogenesis and Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine?; José A. Terrón; March 2002
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Feverfew
- NIH: MedlinePlus: Feverfew
- "Chemistry & Biology"; The Anti-Inflammatory Natural Product Parthenolide from the Medicinal Herb Feverfew Directly Binds to and Inhibits IκB Kinase; Benjamin H.B. Kwok et al.; June 2001
- "Acta Pharmacologica Sinica"; 5-Hydroxytryptamine-inhibiting Property of Feverfew: Role of Parthenolide Content; Mittra S et al.; December 2000
