Main Research Findings

Feverfew, a traditional medicinal herb, contains parthenolide, a compound that has shown various pharmacological effects in several studies. 19 demonstrated that parthenolide inhibits lipid accumulation and adipogenic factors during adipogenesis by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, which reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. 21 found that parthenolide alleviates peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad pathway, which inhibits the expression of fibrosis-related factors. 8 suggested that parthenolide may counteract the effects of methamphetamine on the blood-brain barrier and astrocyte alterations. 4 revealed that parthenolide attenuates radiation-induced acute injury of granule neuron progenitors in the developing cerebellum by promoting the expansion of Nestin+ progenitor cells through Shh modulation. 1 confirmed that parthenolide inhibits peripheral nerve degeneration by suppressing the production of free radicals, inflammation, and apoptosis. 23 showed that ACT001, a parthenolide derivative, synergizes with low doses of L-DOPA to improve motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice with MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease. 16 indicated that parthenolide inhibits angiogenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through suppression of VEGF. 14 suggested that feverfew might be effective in preventing pediatric migraine. 18 suggested that feverfew might be effective in treating migraine. 6 suggested that various nutraceuticals, including feverfew, might be effective in preventing migraine. 11 showed that a water extract of feverfew has anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects. 10 found that parthenolide inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in primary effusion lymphoma cells. 13 found that DMAPT-D6, a parthenolide derivative, induces death receptor-mediated apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. 2 indicated that PTL-phytosomes attenuate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by activating Sirt-1, Nrf2, OH-1, and NQO1 axis, thereby reducing oxidative stress. 17 found that fullerene and salicylic acid can affect the growth and parthenolide content of feverfew plants. 7 showed that parthenolide ameliorates neurological deficits and neuroinflammation in mice with traumatic brain injury by suppressing STAT3/NF-κB and inflammasome activation.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Feverfew has the potential to be an effective treatment for various ailments such as migraine, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. 18 , 11 , 6 Feverfew is also known for its safety and lack of significant side effects. 14 , 18 , 6

Risks Summary

While generally safe, feverfew can cause side effects in some individuals. 14 , 18 , 6 These side effects can include gastrointestinal symptoms (stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea), allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing), and bleeding tendencies. 18 Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with liver or kidney problems, and people with bleeding disorders should avoid using feverfew. 18 Feverfew can also interact with other medications, so it's crucial to consult with a doctor before using it. 18

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Between Studies

Multiple studies have demonstrated that parthenolide, a compound found in feverfew, possesses various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 These studies have shown that parthenolide exerts these effects by targeting various signaling pathways.

Differences Between Studies

Research on the pharmacological effects of feverfew has been conducted using different target diseases, administration methods, and assessment criteria, leading to variations in research findings. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 For example, research on the effectiveness of feverfew for migraine has yielded conflicting results, with some studies showing effectiveness while others showing no significant impact. 14 , 18 , 6 These variations may be attributed to differences in study subjects, feverfew formulations, administration methods, and assessment criteria.

Consistency and Contradictions in Findings

The research findings on the pharmacological effects of feverfew exhibit a combination of consistency and contradictions. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 These inconsistencies may be due to variations in study subject characteristics, feverfew formulations, administration methods, and assessment criteria. 18 , 6 Additionally, the pharmacological effects of feverfew might be influenced by various factors.

Precautions for Real-World Application

Although feverfew is available as a health supplement, it is not a medicine. 18 , 6 Consult with a doctor before consuming feverfew. 18 , 6 This is particularly important for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with liver or kidney issues, and people with bleeding disorders. 18 , 6

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the pharmacological effects of feverfew is still in its early stages. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 In particular, human clinical trials are still limited. 18 , 6 More research is needed to solidify our understanding of feverfew's safety and efficacy.

Future Research Directions

Further research on the pharmacological effects of feverfew is necessary in various areas. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 It is crucial to conduct more human clinical trials. 18 , 6 Additionally, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of feverfew is essential. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 11 , 13 , 2 , 7 These investigations may pave the way for using feverfew as a safe and effective treatment for various diseases.

Conclusion

Feverfew is a herb with diverse pharmacological effects. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties are particularly noteworthy. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 10 , 13 Feverfew is known for its safety and lack of significant side effects. 14 , 18 , 6 However, research on the pharmacological effects of feverfew is still in its early stages. 19 , 21 , 8 , 4 , 1 , 23 , 16 , 14 , 18 , 6 , 11 , 10 , 13 , 2 , 17 , 7 In particular, human clinical trials are still limited. 18 , 6 Further research is needed to definitively establish its safety and efficacy.