Quick Summary

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, including migraine prevention. It contains active compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones (notably parthenolide), flavonoids, and others, which are believed to contribute to its pharmacological properties, including potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Clinical evidence primarily focuses on migraine prevention, showing modest benefit in reducing migraine attack frequency. Safety data indicate feverfew is generally well tolerated with mild adverse events reported.

What is it?

Feverfew is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries and is notable for its yellow daisy-like flowers. The leaves and flowering tops are typically used for medicinal preparations.

Traditional Uses

  • Migraine headache prevention
  • Relief of fever and inflammation
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Rheumatic conditions and muscle pain

Active Compounds

  • Sesquiterpene lactones: especially parthenolide, considered the primary bioactive constituent
  • Flavonoids
  • Other phytochemicals contributing to anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Migraine prevention

    Evidence level: Moderate quality evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials including meta-analysis

    Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (totaling 899 participants) suggest feverfew may modestly reduce migraine attack frequency (approximately 1.1 fewer attacks per month) and duration. Effects on pain severity were not significant, and some trials reported no notable improvements in associated symptoms such as nausea or photophobia. Evidence is limited by moderate heterogeneity and risk of bias.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects

    Evidence level: Preclinical and mechanistic studies

    Parthenolide and its derivatives from feverfew exhibit anti-inflammatory activity through modulation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB and STAT3 in preclinical models. Further research is needed to confirm clinical benefits in humans.
  • Cancer-related effects

    Evidence level: Preclinical

    Phytochemicals from feverfew, particularly parthenolide, show anticancer and cancer stem cell-suppressing properties in vitro and animal studies. Human clinical evidence is lacking at this time.
  • Treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy (preclinical)

    Evidence level: Animal and cell studies

    Parthenolide has demonstrated protective effects against muscle atrophy by regulating protein homeostasis and inflammation in mouse and cell models.

Side Effects

  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., indigestion, nausea)
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Rare allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis due to sesquiterpene lactones

Drug Interactions

No specific clinically documented drug interactions have been identified in the available data. However, individuals with hypersensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution. Due to feverfew’s bioactive constituents, there is a theoretical potential for interactions with anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, so caution and consultation with a healthcare provider are advised before use.

Who Should Avoid It?

  • People allergic to Asteraceae family plants should avoid feverfew due to risk of allergic reactions.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid feverfew given insufficient safety data and traditional use suggesting emmenagogue effects, which may pose risks.
  • Individuals on anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

Evidence Limitations

  • Many clinical trials have small sample sizes and risk of bias.
  • Heterogeneity in study designs, preparations of feverfew, and outcome measures limits definitive conclusions.
  • The majority of clinical evidence relates to migraine prevention; other claims lack robust human data.
  • Preclinical data on anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects lack clinical translation.
  • Limited data on long-term safety and comprehensive drug interaction profiles.
  • Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

References

  • Nelaturi V, Viswanatha GL, Shenoy RR, Khanna S, Krishnadas N. Systematic review and meta-analysis of Tanacetum parthenium: evaluating its efficacy in migraine relief. Phytother Res. 2025; doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2602038. PubMed
  • Pareek A, Suthar M, Rathore GS, Bansal V. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011; doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79105. PubMed
  • Jahromi B, Pirvulescu I, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Herbal Medicine for Pain Management: Efficacy and Drug Interactions. Pharmaceutics. 2021; doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13020251. PubMed
  • Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies. Phytother Res. 2020; doi:10.1002/ptr.6701. PubMed
  • Yao Y, Wang Y, Chen P, et al. Parthenolide and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Diseases: Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2026; doi:10.2147/dddt.s577115. PubMed
  • Bai Y, Li W, Lu Y, et al. Parthenolide Attenuates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Through Regulation of Protein Homeostasis and Inhibition of Inflammation. FASEB J. 2026; doi:10.1096/fj.202504024rr. PubMed
  • Tsuchiya H. Anesthetic Agents of Plant Origin: A Review of Phytochemicals with Anesthetic Activity. Molecules. 2017; doi:10.3390/molecules22081369. PubMed

Last Reviewed

June 2026

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using feverfew or any herbal supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.