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Page 33
| Following the clinical clues, pharmacologists are finding active components in the plant. Part of the herb's action appears to be its ability to inhibit secretion of the granular contents from platelets and neutrophils in the blood. This may be relevant to the therapeutic value of feverfew in migraine and other conditions such as osteoarthritis. |
| The five main compounds that were identified as having this activity were parthenolide, 3-beta-hydroxy-parthenolide, secotanapartholide-A, canin and artecanin, all of which are sesquiterpene lactones. 9 The researchers say that it is very likely that these and other sesquiterpene lactones inhibit prostaglandins and histamine released during the inflammatory process, thereby preventing spasms of the blood vessels in the head that trigger migraine attacks.10, 11 Other studies indicate that feverfew inhibits interactions of human platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes with collagen substrates.12 It has been suggested that its medicinal properties are related to the inhibition of secretory activity. |
| As with all such impressive research findings that isolate "active" ingredients, it is important not to lose sight of the importance of the whole plant activity. Considerable differences in the parthenolide content of feverfew have been observed in plants from different geographical localities.13 Similarly, commercial preparations of dried feverfew usually contain varying amounts of the active principle.14 For this reason standardized preparations are often used today. A daily dosage of 125 mg of a dried feverfew leaf preparation from Tanacetum parthenium, containing at least 0.2 percent parthenolide, is considered appropriate for the treatment and prevention of migraines. This equates to approximately 250 mcg of parthenolide daily. |
| Feverfew is a long-term treatment, not an immediate cure for a migraine attack. Clinical experience suggests that four to six weeks are usually required to note an initial |
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