Scientific name
Tanacetum parthenium, sin. Chrysanthemum parthenium
Family
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Origin
Europe
Used Parts
Drug consisting of the leaves and the root
Chemical constituents
- Flavonoids;
- Sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide);
- Tannins;
- Essential oil;
- Guaianolides: monoxides, diepoxides, endoperoxides;
- Bitter substances (tanacetin).
Partenio in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Partenio
Parthenion can be used for inhibiting properties against platelet aggregation, for its anti-inflammatory effect and for its ability to inhibit the release of serotonin.
For phytotherapy purposes, feverfew finds its application in the preventive treatment of migraine and in the treatment of medium-sized inflammatory and painful diseases, from dysmenorrhoea to arthritic pain.
Biological activity
The parthenon has anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, anti-migraine and spasmolytic properties.
These activities have been confirmed by various studies conducted on the subject and are attributable to the sesquiterpene lactones (in particular, parthenolide) and to the flavonoids contained within the same plant.
The anti-inflammatory action is exercised through different mechanisms of action, such as: inhibition of the release of arachidonic acid and its metabolism, inhibition of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, inhibition of the synthesis of leukotrienes B4 and the inhibition of the synthesis of thromboxane B2.
With regard to the anti-platelet aggregation activity, instead, the fever works against it, hindering the release of arachidonic acid from the platelets, with consequent inhibition of the synthesis of thromboxane. Furthermore, parthenolide has an anti-platelet aggregation action also through the inhibition of serotonin (5-HT) release by platelets themselves.
The anti-migraine activity traditionally ascribed to the plant, however, remains today the subject of debate. In fact, while according to some studies parthenol is not effective in counteracting migraine pain, other studies still claim that the intake of leaf fever extracts is useful in reducing both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Moreover, it seems that the extracts of feverfew are able to reduce the incidence of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that often arise in association with the migraine attack.
However, despite the results obtained from the studies conducted so far, the use of fever has not obtained official approval for any type of therapeutic indication.
Feverfew in folk medicine and in homeopathy
In folk medicine, feverfew is used to treat cramps, digestive disorders, intestinal parasites and gynecological disorders; besides being used as a tonic and stimulating remedy, to purify the blood and to prevent migraine attacks.
Externally, however, feverfew is used by traditional medicine to treat skin inflammations and wounds, it is also used as an antiseptic remedy with which to rinse after tooth extractions and as an insecticide remedy.
Partnership is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules, oral drops and mother tincture.
In this context the plant is used in case of rheumatoid arthritis, headache, migraine, behavioral disorders, delusions and convulsions.
The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from individual to individual, also depending on the type of disorder that must be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that is intended to be used.
Side effects
Following the intake of fever, allergic dermatitis and mucosal ulcerations (in contact with the fresh plant and in predisposed subjects), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, insomnia may appear.
Contraindications
The use of feverfew is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components, in patients suffering from gastritis and / or gastrointestinal ulcer, during pregnancy, during lactation and in children under two years of age.
Pharmacological Interactions
- antiplatelet agents;
- oral anticoagulants;
- NSAIDs.
Warnings
Do not confuse with the Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare,, syn. Chrysanthemum vulgare ), whose flowers were used in folk medicine as an anthelmintic remedy, today abandoned due to the presence of an essential oil rich in thymus, neurotoxic and abortive.
