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Background:
Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb. Parthenolide and glycosides are thought to be its active components.
Medicinal Claims:
Feverfew is used to prevent migraine headaches. It may reduce inflammation. Feverfew reduces the clotting tendency of platelets (cell-like particles in the blood that help stop bleeding by forming clots). Evidence from two of three relatively small but well-designed studies supports these effects. Differences in study findings may reflect the different formulations of feverfew used. In studies of people with arthritis, feverfew did not relieve symptoms.
Possible Side Effects:
Mouth ulcers and skin inflammation (dermatitis) may occur. Taste may be altered, and heart rate increased. Feverfew may interact with anticoagulants, drugs used to manage migraine headaches, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It may reduce the absorption of iron. Feverfew is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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