Diet & Fitness

Feverfew contains a range of compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones. Over 85% of these are a compound called parthenolide. In test tube studies, parthenolide prevents excessive clumping of platelets and inhibits the release of certain chemicals, including serotonin and some inflammatory mediators.^1,2 Feverfew’s parthenolide content was originally thought to account for the anti-migraine action of this herb, but this has been a matter of recent debate.³

According to three double-blind trials with migraine patients, feverfew reduces the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches.^4,5,6 These successful studies employed dried, powdered leaves. One negative study used an alcohol extract suggesting the dried leaf preparation is superior.⁷