Feverfew

Feverfew is a perennial plant between 30 and 80 cm tall and belongs to the composite family. Originally native to the Near East and the Balkans, it has since spread throughout Europe. The stems are grooved, branched in the upper part and bare or hairy, with broad, egg-shaped, pinnate leaves and white-yellow flowers. It flowers from June to August. The plant is characterized by a camomile-like aromatic smell, but tastes bitter.

The herb(Tanaceti parthenii herba) harvested at flowering time is used phytotherapeutically, including leaves, stems and flowers.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: Prophylaxis of migraine headaches after exclusion of organic causes

ESCOP monograph: Prophylaxis of migraine attacks

Commission E: not processed

Empirical medicine: Fever, headache, migraine, stomach ache, toothache, against insect bites, triggers menstruation, weak labor, promotes detachment of the placenta - therefore contraindication in pregnancy!

Feverfew contains essential oil, camphor, camphene, cymene, germacene, linalool, borneol, flavonoids and polyins. The sesquiterpene lactones are mainly responsible for the therapeutic effect.

In vitro: Inhibition of phospholipase_{A2 Prevention of} the release of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane; inhibition of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, inhibition of thromoxan synthesis, inhibition of serotonin release and phagocytosis of neutrophil cells, etc.

In folk medicine until the end of the 19th century used as a medicinal plant, especially for women's ailments, also to relieve flatulence, colic, pain and swelling. Since the 18th century, motherwort was used to treat headaches, toothaches, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines and "women's ailments", hence the name motherwort.

According to EMA for prophylaxis of migraine attacks: single dose: 100 mg herbal powder once a day, if necessary, slowly increase up to 200 mg powder herbal substance three times a day daily dose: 100 mg-600 mg.

Maximum dose / day: 50-100 mg

The main contact allergen is the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide. Sensitizing potency: Strong. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional. Cross-reactivity exists to related composites such as chrysanthemum, tansy, daisy, yarrow and sunflower as well as laurel and Frullania.

May alter bleeding time, do not combine with warfarin sodium!

Rarely inflammation of the oral mucosa, digestive problems, pain in the abdominal area.

Feverfew is considered a major cause of aerogenic contact dermatitis. Reacts most frequently of all species in routine testing of composite mixes in the presence of a composite allergy.

Children and adolescents under 18 years of age, pregnancy and lactation; allergy to any of the ingredients, allergy to daisy. Combination with warfarin sodium due to altered bleeding time.

No finished medicinal product on the market.

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