Feverfew - Scientific Background

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Studies of the properties of feverfew are impeded by the lack of product standardization.

• Parthenolide is concentrated in leaves, flowering tops, and seeds but may be entirely absent from stalks, roots, or extracts of dried powdered leaves, which lose parthenolide activity during storage (Barsby et al 1993; Heptinstall et al 1992).
• In two randomized, controlled, clinical trials, the effects of feverfew products known to contain parthenolides were examined. Patients receiving the active treatment reported a significantly lower frequency of migraine attacks and a reduction in severity and nausea -- but not duration -- of attacks, compared to patients receiving the ineffective look-alike treatment (placebo) (Johnson et al 1985; Murphy et al 1988).
• A single trial of feverfew for rheumatoid arthritis showed no benefits relative to placebo (Pattrick et al 1989).
• At the minimum recommended level of parthenolide concentration (0.2%), a daily dose of 125 grams of leaf extract would yield the 250-microgram concentration of parthenolides used in clinical trials of feverfew. The U.S. Pharmacopeia provides dosage information and potential side effects, while noting that the FDA has not approved the use of feverfew as a pharmaceutical.