Feverfew: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

Feverfew has anti-inflammatory properties that can be explained by several mechanisms. First, it may reduce the activity of certain enzymes and substances involved in inflammation, such as proteases and leukotrienes. Next, feverfew appears to prevent the formation of prostaglandins, substances important in the inflammatory process. It acts by blocking an enzyme, phospholipase, which stops the release of a key molecule in the creation of these prostaglandins. Laboratory research has shown that some components of feverfew, such as the parthenolide, limit the production of one of these prostaglandins, PGE2. Parthenolide, in particular, targets a specific inflammation-related enzyme, COX-2, as well as various pro-inflammatory molecules. Animal studies have also shown that feverfew extracts have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce pain sensitivity, without involving opioid receptors. These effects could be due to an influence on certain molecules present in vascular cells. Although parthenolide is considered an active anti-inflammatory constituent, laboratory research suggests that feverfew depleted in parthenolide also has anti-inflammatory effects, such as inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, cytokines, and prostaglandins.

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Neurological

Feverfew is recognized for its potential benefits against migraine. It was once believed that parthenolide, one of its components, was essential for combating migraines, and that a concentration of at least 0.2% was necessary. However, a study with an extract containing 0.35% parthenolide did not confirm its effectiveness, suggesting that other components may be required. The mechanisms of action of feverfew in migraine prevention are not fully understood. The plant appears to affect certain enzymes and substances related to inflammation, such as proteases and leukotrienes, and to block the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain. Preliminary research indicates that feverfew extracts may prevent contraction of vascular smooth muscle, a potentially beneficial effect for relieving migraines. The chrysanthenyl acetate, another substance present in the plant, is also suggested as an active component, having analgesic properties and potentially inhibiting prostaglandin formation. Feverfew also contains melatonin, which may contribute to its pharmacological effects. It should be noted that the fresh or dried leaves of the plant contain more melatonin than commercially prepared standardized tablets.

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Anticancer

Feverfew and its constituents, particularly the parthenolide, have shown promising effects in the fight against cancer according to laboratory research. These studies suggest that feverfew could slow the growth of cancer cells and even lead them to self-destruct, a process known as apoptosis. Parthenolide, a key component of feverfew, appears to interfere with the life cycle of cancer cells, halting them or pushing them toward differentiation, then triggering their programmed death. This compound has the potential to induce apoptosis in several types of cancer cells while being non-toxic to normal cells. It also acts on certain transcription factors in cells, such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, which are involved in cell growth, differentiation, and death. Parthenolide reduces the expression of genes that inhibit apoptosis, but this action appears to be specific to cancer cells. Furthermore, parthenolide has a different effect on cancer cells compared to normal cells with regard to reactive oxygen species (ROS). In cancer cells, it increases ROS levels, thereby promoting their death. In contrast, in non-cancerous cells, it acts as an antioxidant, reducing ROS levels. Finally, more recent research has revealed that parthenolide can trigger apoptosis in cancer cells by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. This mechanism has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels to feed the tumor, in cancer models. This proapoptotic action appears to be linked to activation of a key protein, p53, and to an increase in ROS production.

Antihistamine

Feverfew is traditionally used for allergies. In laboratory studies on rat peritoneal mast cells, feverfew extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of histamine release.nn

Antispasmodic

Results from several in vitro studies generally indicate that feverfew reduces vascular smooth muscle spasm.nnThis inhibition is dose- and time-dependent: this action is due to the binding of the α-methylene-butyrolactone moiety to the thiol groups of proteins.nn

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