The herb feverfew has been recognized since ancient times as having significant beneficial medicinal properties. It is a member of the Composite family and is now classified as Tanacetum of the Composite family and is now classified as Tanacetum (L.) Schulz Bip. Schulz Bip. The herb has been used since ancient times as a general febrifuge, hence its common name, and for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including psoriasis, toothache, insect bites, asthma rheumatism, stomach ache, menstrual problems, and threatened miscarriage.
Since the various beneficial properties ascribed to feverfew are associated with consumption of the leave or the combined aerial parts of the plant, it is these which have been most thoroughly studied in terms of their chemical constituents. In common with other member of the Composite family, the aerial parts of feverfew contain a rich mixture of mono- and sesquiterpenes. Perhaps the most significant components present in feverfew leaves are a complex series of sesquiterpene a- methylenebutyrolactones. The predominant sesquiterpene lactone present in feverfew is a germacranilide, parthenolide.
It seems reasonable to suppose that parthenolide in particular is produced by feverfew as a defensive compound. The ?-methylenebutyrolactone function would appear to be at the centre of most of the biological activities so far associated with feverfew. Studies performed by researchers have demon-strated feverfew to be an effective remedy for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. A number of feverfew products, none of which currently hold product licences, are available through pharmacies and heath shops. The products are formulated either as tablets or capsules, but vary in the stated feverfew content, the part of plant used and species of feverfew.