Tanacetum parthenium

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Feverfew
Feverfew.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Tanacetum
Species:
T. parthenium
Binomial name
Tanacetum parthenium
Synonyms
  • Chrysanthemum parthenium(L.) Bernh.
  • Matricaria partheniumL.
  • Pyrethrum parthenium(L.) Sm.

Tanacetum parthenium, known as feverfew, [1] is a flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It may be grown as an ornament, and may be identified by its synonyms, Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium. It is also used as a herbal medicine in the traditional sense and a dietary supplement to treat headache and other ailments, as well more recently in topical skin care as an antioxidant.

Contents

Description

The plant is a herbaceous perennial that grows into a small bush, [2] up to 70 cm (28 in) high, with pungently-scented leaves. The leaves are light yellowish green, variously pinnatifid. The conspicuous daisy-like flowers are up to 20 millimetres (3⁄4 in) across, borne in lax corymbs. The outer, ray florets have white ligules and the inner, disc florets are yellow and tubular. It spreads rapidly by seed, and will cover a wide area after a few years. [3] [4] The plant produces achene fruit, and grows in stony slopes and river beds. [5]

Location and cultivation

Feverfew is native to Eurasia, specifically the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, and the Caucasus, but cultivation has spread it around the world and the rest of Europe, North America, and Chile. [2] [6]

A perennial herb, it should be planted in full sun, 38 to 46 cm (15–18 in) apart, and cut back to the ground in the autumn. It grows up to 70 cm (28 in) tall. It is hardy to USDA zone 5 (−30 °C or −22 °F). Outside of its native range, it may become an invasive weed. [7]

Uses

Leaf of feverfew Tanacetum parthenium Blatt.JPG
Leaf of feverfew
The chemical structure of parthenolide Parthenolide.svg
The chemical structure of parthenolide

Traditional medicine

In traditional medicine, feverfew has been used to treat headache, but there is no confirmed scientific evidence that it has such an effect. [2] [8] [9] Feverfew contains parthenolide, which is under basic research to assess its properties on cancer. [9] Feverfew is registered as a traditional herbal medicine in the Nordic countries under the brand name Glitinum. Only powdered feverfew is approved in the European Union herbal monograph. [10]

Dietary supplement

The parthenolide content of commercially available feverfew supplements varies substantially (by more than 40-fold) despite labeling claims of "standardization". [11]

Topical skin care

In topical skin care, bioactive compounds derived from the feverfew plant are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [12] These bioactives are obtained through processing the aerial parts of the feverfew plant—specifically the flowers, leaves, and stem—when the plant is in full bloom, utilizing methods such as grinding, maceration, and pressing. [12] This process yield an extract, separated from the plant's fibrous material. [12]

Research in vivo has identified four primary compounds mostly responsible for feverfew's effects: camphor, parthenolide, luteolin, and apigenin. [13] Camphor stands out for its aromatic nature, while luteolin and apigenin are classified as flavonoids. [13] However, due to their less favorable cosmetic profile, camphor, luteolin and apigenin, might be omitted from cosmetic formulations.[ original research? ]

A systematic review focusing on the consumption of feverfew liquid extract, specifically formulations containing a minimum of 0.2% parthenolide, has validated its anti-inflammatory activity, capacity to inhibit histamine release, and potential as a chemotherapeutic agent through the suppression of microbial growth and cytotoxicity linked to the disruption of DNA replication. [14] Nonetheless, given parthenolide's significant potential as a skin sensitizer, its application in topical treatments is deemed unfeasible. [15]

Further research explored the use of parthenolide-depleted feverfew extract in vitro (PD-feverfew) to mitigate the risk of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis associated with parthenolide. This investigation, which involved 1,200 participants, demonstrated clinical tolerance and affirmed that the removal of parthenolide does not compromise the extract's antioxidant efficacy. The findings indicate that PD-feverfew reduced smoke- and UV-induced DNA damage, cellular apoptosis and inflammation. [15]

Adverse effects

Long-term use of feverfew followed by abrupt discontinuation may induce a withdrawal syndrome featuring rebound headaches and muscle and joint pains. [9] Feverfew may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to the daisy family, including contact dermatitis or swelling and numbness of the mouth. [9] Other side effects have included gastrointestinal upset such as mild nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence, which are, fortunately mild and transient. [9] When the herb is chewed or taken orally it may cause mouth ulcers. [9] Feverfew should not be taken by pregnant women. [9] It may interact with blood thinners and increase the risk of bleeding, and also may interact with a variety of medications metabolized by the liver. [9]

History and etymology

The word feverfew derives from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning 'fever reducer', [16] although it no longer is considered useful for that purpose.

Although its earliest medicinal use is unknown, it was documented in the 1st century CE as an anti-inflammatory by the Greek herbalist physician Dioscorides. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asteraceae</span> Large family of flowering plants

The family Asteraceae, with the original name Compositae, consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within the order Asterales. Commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family, Compositae were first described in the year 1740. The number of species in Asteraceae is rivaled only by the Orchidaceae, and which is the larger family is unclear as the quantity of extant species in each family is unknown.

<i>Calendula</i> Genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae

Calendula is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean. Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus Tagetes.

<i>Achillea millefolium</i> Species of plant

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow or common yarrow, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Growing to 1 metre tall, it is characterized by small whitish flowers, a tall stem of fernlike leaves, and a pungent odor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chamomile</span> Common name for several daisy-like plants

Chamomile or camomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Two of the species, Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile, are commonly used to make herbal infusions for beverages. There has been limited research as to whether consuming chamomile in foods or beverages is effective in treating medical conditions, although in Hungarian it is referred to as the "king of herbs".

<i>Tanacetum</i> Genus of flowering plants

Tanacetum is a genus of about 160 species of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae, native to many regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known commonly as tansies. The name tansy can refer specifically to Tanacetum vulgare, which may be called the common tansy or garden tansy for clarity. The generic name Tanacetum means 'immortality' in Botanical Latin, since tansy was once placed between the burial sheets of the dead to repel vermin.

<i>Artemisia vulgaris</i> Medicinal herb known as common mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris, the common mugwort, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is one of several species in the genus Artemisia commonly known as mugwort, although Artemisia vulgaris is the species most often called mugwort. It is also occasionally known as riverside wormwood, felon herb, chrysanthemum weed, wild wormwood, old Uncle Henry, sailor's tobacco, naughty man, old man, or St. John's plant. Mugworts have been used medicinally and as culinary herbs.

<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i> Species of flowering plant

Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the ox-eye daisy, oxeye daisy, dog daisy, marguerite and other common names, is a widespread flowering plant native to Europe and the temperate regions of Asia, and an introduced plant to North America, Australia and New Zealand.

<i>Matricaria chamomilla</i> Species of flowering plant

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile (kamilla), wild chamomile, blue chamomile, or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. Commonly, the name M. recutita is applied to the herbal product chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile. The plant is commonly used to make a tea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tansy</span> Species of plant

Tansy is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant in the genus Tanacetum in the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, and in some areas has become invasive. It is also known as common tansy, bitter buttons, cow bitter, or golden buttons. The Latin word vulgare means "common".

<i>Arnica montana</i> Species of European flowering plant

Arnica montana, also known as wolf's bane, leopard's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica, is a moderately toxic European flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae that has a large yellow flower head. The names "wolf's bane" and "leopard's bane" are also used for another plant, aconitum, which is extremely poisonous.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are a class of sesquiterpenoids that contain a lactone ring. They are most often found in plants of the family Asteraceae. Other plant families with SLs are Umbelliferae and Magnoliaceae (magnolias). A collection of colorless, lipophilic solids, SLs are a rich source of drugs. They can be allergenic and toxic in grazing livestock causing severe neurological problems in horses. Some are also found in corals such as Maasella edwardsi.

Natural skin care uses topical creams and lotions made of ingredients available in nature. Much of the recent literature reviews plant-derived ingredients, which may include herbs, roots, flowers and essential oils, but natural substances in skin care products include animal-derived products such as beeswax, and minerals. These substances may be combined with various carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers.

<i>Galinsoga parviflora</i> Species of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae

Galinsoga parviflora is a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It has several common names including guasca (Colombia), pacpa yuyo, paco yuyo, and waskha (Peru), burrionera (Ecuador), albahaca silvestre and saetilla (Argentina), mielcilla, piojito, galinsoga, gallant soldier, quickweed, and potato weed.

<i>Serratula</i> Genus of plants

Serratula is a genus of plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae native to Eurasia. Plumeless saw-wort is a common name for plants in this genus. Serratula as traditionally defined contains at least two groups: one of which is basal within the subtribe Centaureinae and one of which is derived; the former group can be moved to the genus Klasea.

<i>Baccharis sarothroides</i> Species of flowering plant

Baccharis sarothroides is a North American species of flowering shrub known by the common names broom baccharis, desertbroom, greasewood, rosin-bush and groundsel in English and "escoba amarga" or "romerillo" in Spanish. This is a spreading, woody shrub usually sticky with glandular secretions along the primarily leafless green stems. The small, thick leaves are a few centimeters long and are absent much of the year, giving the shrub a spindly, twiggy appearance. It flowers abundantly with tiny green blooms on separate male and female plants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dandelion coffee</span> Tisane made from dandelion root

Dandelion coffee is a tisane made from the root of the dandelion plant. The roasted dandelion root pieces and the beverage have some resemblance to coffee in appearance and taste, and it is thus commonly considered a coffee substitute. Dandelion root is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes and is thought to be a detoxifying herb.

<i>Euphorbia hirta</i> Species of plant

Euphorbia hirta is a pantropical weed, originating from the tropical regions of the Americas. It is a hairy herb that grows in open grasslands, roadsides and pathways. It is widely used in traditional herbal medicine across many cultures, particularly for asthma, skin ailments, and hypertension. It is also consumed in herbal tea form as folk medicine for fevers in the Philippines, particularly for dengue fever and malaria.

<i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> Species of flowering plant

Parthenium hysterophorus is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the American tropics. Common names include Santa-Maria, Santa Maria feverfew, whitetop weed, and famine weed. In India, it is locally known as carrot grass, congress grass or gajar ghas or dhanura. It is a common invasive species in India, Australia, and parts of Africa.

<i>Epilobium parviflorum</i> Species of flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae

Epilobium parviflorum, commonly known as the hoary willowherb or smallflower hairy willowherb, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Onagraceae.

This is a list of plants used by the indigenous people of North America. For lists pertaining specifically to the Cherokee, Iroquois, Navajo, and Zuni, see Cherokee ethnobotany, Iroquois ethnobotany, Navajo ethnobotany, and Zuni ethnobotany.

References

  1. ↑ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Tanacetum parthenium". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. "Feverfew" . Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  3. ↑ Parnell, J. and Curtis. 2012. Webb's An Irish Flora. Cork University Press. ISBN   978-185918-4783
  4. ↑ Clapham, A.R, Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. 1968. Excursion Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press. ISBN   0-521-04656-4
  5. ↑ Izadi Z, Esna-Ashari M, Piri K, Davoodi P (2010). "Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Essential Oil". International Journal of Agriculture & Biology: 459–463 – via CABI Digital Library.
  6. ↑ Jeffrey C (2001). "Tanacetum parthenium". Mansfeld's World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops.
  7. ↑ Hadjikyriakou G, Hadjisterkotis E (2002). "The adventive plants of Cyprus with new records of invasive species". Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft . Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 48 (S1): 59–71. doi:10.1007/bf02192393. ISSN   0044-2887. S2CID   42896188.
  8. ↑ Pittler MH, Ernst E (2004). Pittler MH (ed.). "Feverfew for preventing migraine". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1): CD002286. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub2. PMID   14973986.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Feverfew". Drugs.com. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  10. ↑ "Tanaceti parthenii herba". European Medicines Agency. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  11. ↑ Draves AH, Walker SE (2004). "Parthenolide content of Canadian commercial feverfew preparations: Label claims are misleading in most cases" (PDF). Canadian Pharmacists Journal. 136 (10): 23–30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-04-20.
  12. 1 2 3 "Feverfew". AveenoMD. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2023. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  13. 1 2 Wu C, Chen F, Wang X, Kim H, He G, Haley-Zitlin V, Huang G (May 2006). "Antioxidant constituents in feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) extract and their chromatographic quantification". Food Chemistry. 96 (2): 220–227. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.02.024.
  14. ↑ Pareek A, Suthar M, Rathore G, Bansal V (2011). "Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review". Pharmacognosy Reviews. 5 (9): 103–110. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.79105 . ISSN   0973-7847. PMC   3210009 . PMID   22096324.
  15. 1 2 Martin K, Sur R, Liebel F, Tierney N, Lyte P, Garay M, Oddos T, Anthonavage M, Shapiro S, Southall M (February 2008). "Parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression". Archives of Dermatological Research. 300 (2): 69–80. doi:10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x. ISSN   0340-3696. PMID   18071724.
  16. ↑ "Feverfew". University of Maryland . Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  17. ↑ "Agricultural (Herbs and Spices): Feverfew Information". Government of Saskatchewan. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
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