side effects of parthenolide (the herb feverfew) when used as a prohylaxis for basalar arteriole migraines

    
      Re: side effects of parthenolide (the herb feverfew) when used as a prohylaxis for basalar arteriole migraines
    


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Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 18, 1997 at 18:40:54:

In Reply to: side effects of parthenolide (the herb feverfew) when used as a prohylaxis for basalar arteriole migraines posted by Susan C. Montler on September 13, 1997 at 19:04:29:

: Parthenolide, or the herb feverfew, has worked for me as a
  preventative for my migraines when taken daily.  However,
  does it have any side effects - affecting the smooth muscle
  of the body or any other I should be aware of.  Also, I have
  read that McNeil has released in Canada a prohylactic drug
  for migrains made from feverfew - any info on that and its
  availability in the US?  Also, I take prozac for the mig-
  raines too, any drug interaction with the feverfew?  Pre-
  viously I had been taking tricyclic antidepressants such as
  Elavil along with the Prozac as a migrain preventative
  successfully but the weight gain has become depressing -
  despite the prozac!  So the feverfew was exciting but info
  on it and its side effects is next to nil and I feel I
  should check it out before any long term use.  Thank you
  so much for your time.  
=======================================================================
Dear Susan:
European Feverfew (Tenacetum parthenium) extract has recently gained some popularity in some
quarters as a herbal/alternative medication for migraine prophylaxis. It has been available in
European countries (including UK) for several years in health stores, and has lately been available in
Canada (not in the US, to my knowledge). The active constituent is believed to be a substance called sesquiterpine lactone, which has
significant anti-platelet activity, anti-prostaglandin activity, and an IRREVERSABLE inhibitory effect on
smooth muscle in the lab. The extract was apparently efficacious in migraine prophylaxis in a study
from UK published in 1988 in Lancet, without significant side effects over a few months (only).
The bottom line, however, is that WE KNOW VERY LITTLE about the efficacy, safety, and quality control of
the drug; it is definitely not recommended.
There are several efficacious and safe prescription medications currently available for migraine
prophylaxis, and your doctor could help you with those.
If you have any further questions or concerns, and live in the Cleveland area, I suggest that you see
any of the headache specialists at the Cleveland Clinic. Drs. Gretter, Kunkel, and
Solomon are nationally renowned.
An appointment can be made at the Cleveland Clinic by calling up (216)44-5665, or
[phone] toll free.
I wish you the best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your
physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.