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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
A traditional migraine-prevention herb with mixed, inconsistent trial evidence — some older RCTs were positive, but the pivotal standardized-extract trial missed its primary endpoint.
What the evidence says
Most Feverfew studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1985–2025 with a typical study size of 82 participants.
Based on 19 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 7 RCTs · 1,053 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
Several older RCTs and systematic reviews favored feverfew for migraine prophylaxis, but the best-designed standardized-extract trial missed its primary endpoint and the current Cochrane review finds only low-quality positive evidence, landing it at Moderate.
10 rigorous studies
5 randomized trials · 1 meta-analyses · 4 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Feverfew is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
No trials currently enrolling · 3 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Feverfew, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a daisy-family herb traditionally used to prevent migraines. Its sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide is thought to reduce platelet serotonin release and inflammatory mediators involved in migraine.
The clinical evidence is genuinely mixed and inconsistent: several small older randomized trials were positive, but Cochrane reviews concluded efficacy is not established beyond reasonable doubt, largely because trials used variable, non-standardized preparations.
Notably, the best-designed trial of a standardized stable CO2 extract (MIG-99) FAILED its primary endpoint in the overall population, showing benefit only in a predefined subgroup of frequent-attack patients. It is used for prophylaxis (reducing attack frequency), not for aborting an acute migraine.
Parthenolide inhibits platelet serotonin release implicated in the neurovascular changes of migraine.
Inhibits NF-κB and pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines).
May reduce abnormal vascular reactivity associated with migraine attacks.
Avoid — may stimulate uterine contractions.
Avoid — cross-reactive allergy risk (Asteraceae family).
Use only with medical supervision — possible additive bleeding risk.
May inhibit platelet aggregation — possible additive bleeding risk.
Overlapping anti-inflammatory/antiplatelet effects.
Tip: Use capsules/extract instead of raw leaf
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Taper rather than stopping suddenly
Feverfew has an evidence score of 5/10 — moderate evidence based on 14 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. A traditional migraine-prevention herb with mixed, inconsistent trial evidence — some older RCTs were positive, but the pivotal standardized-extract trial missed its primary endpoint. Representative study: PMID 26887532.
The commonly studied dose of Feverfew is 100-300mg feverfew leaf/extract daily, standardized to ≥0.2-0.7% parthenolide (stable CO2 extract preferred). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Feverfew is with meals. Taking it with food is preferred. Taken daily with food for migraine prophylaxis; consistent daily use is required for the preventive effect.
Feverfew should be used with caution — talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. The most commonly reported side effects are mouth ulcers (chewed leaf), GI upset, post-feverfew rebound (on abrupt stop). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions); Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae plants (ragweed, chamomile, daisies); Use with anticoagulants without supervision.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 19 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.