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12 peer-reviewed studies
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 1985–2016 with a typical study size of 72 participants.
Based on 12 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 72 total participants
Confidence
HighBy outcome
Newest study from 2016 · Latest meta-analysis: 2016
A Cochrane review found insufficient consistent evidence to confirm feverfew's efficacy for migraine prevention, though some trials were positive.
Pittler MH et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2000)
A randomized trial of a stable feverfew extract (MIG-99) reduced migraine frequency versus placebo.
Pfaffenrath V et al. · Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache (2002)
A critical appraisal concluded feverfew may modestly reduce migraine frequency, with a stable CO2 extract showing the clearest benefit.
Izzo AA et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016)
A systematic review found favorable but not definitive evidence for feverfew in migraine prophylaxis.
Saranitzky E et al. · Journal of dietary supplements (2009)
A landmark randomized, placebo-controlled trial found feverfew reduced the frequency and severity of migraine.
Murphy JJ et al. · Lancet (London, England) (1988)
An update on feverfew's efficacy and safety reported promising but inconclusive migraine data.
Ernst E et al. · Public health nutrition (2000)
A combination of Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba reduced migraine attack frequency and intensity.
Shrivastava R et al. · Clinical drug investigation (2006)
An early systematic review found feverfew more effective than placebo in most, but not all, trials.
Vogler BK et al. · Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache (1998)
An early controlled trial reported fewer migraines with feverfew.
Johnson ES et al. · British medical journal (Clinical research ed.) (1985)
A combination of riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew was studied for migraine prophylaxis.
Maizels M et al. · Headache (2004)
A parthenolide-depleted feverfew extract showed anti-inflammatory activity in a controlled study.
Sur R et al. · Inflammopharmacology (2009)
A phase I dose-escalation study established tolerability of standardized parthenolide doses of feverfew.
Curry EA 3rd et al. · Investigational new drugs (2004)