Feverfew Extract Research Articles

Złocień maruna – starożytny lek na współczesne choroby

The Feverfew – an ancient remedy for modern diseases The feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.), also known as the Chrysanthemum parthenium, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, growing mainly in gardens and open spaces, can be found growing in the regions of Southern Europe and Asia Minor. The healing effects of feverfew were known in antiquity. In folk medicine, this plant has been used to treat fever, migraine headaches, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, stomach and toothache, and insect bites. The active compounds contained in the feverfew include sesquiterpene lactones, and the most important of them – is parthenolide, which is considered to be the main ingredient determining the biological activity of extracts from this perennial. Feverfew preparations, containing parthenolide, reduce the production of prostaglandins, inhibit the release of serotonin and histamine, and antagonize the 5-HT2A receptors, thus showing the anti-migraine effects. Moreover, feverfew extract has anti-infl ammatory properties and reduces allergy symptoms by inhibiting the secretion of histamine from mast cells. Currently, studies are being conducted on the use of parthenolide in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This type of chronic pain is caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system, which is observed in the development of diabetes, stroke, cancer, or after mechanical injuries (e.g. as postoperative complications or after traffic accidents). In in vivo studies parthenolide showed a strong analgesic effect, moreover, its use allowed for the reduction of morphine doses in neuropathic animals. This important clinical implication raises great hopes for designing a multimodal therapy for neuropathic pain. In addition to its anti-infl ammatory and analgesic properties, parthenolide exhibits antitumor activity by inhibiting the NF-κB and STAT transcription factors and inducing the permanent activation of JNK kinase and p53 protein, thereby sensitizing neoplastic cells to radio- and chemotherapy. Interestingly, parthenolide induces apoptosis of cancer cells but has no toxic effects on normal cells. Currently, preparations from the feverfew are used in the phytotherapy of migraine headaches, however, the results of the preclinical research open up new perspectives for the use of this perennial, in particular parthenolide, in modern therapy.

A Novel Approaches to Feverfew (<i>Tanacetum Prthenium</i>): A Review

Tanacetum Parthenium is a herbal medicinal plant which is known as feverfew. Asterace is the family of feverfew. It is traditionally applicable in the treatment of stomach aches, fever, arthritis, infertility, migraine, insect bites, menstruation problems, and labour pain during childbirth. Dioscorides was the first Greek physician to which uses feverfew extract for treatment of inflammation. Particularly among Greek and early European herbalists, feverfew plant has ancient historyfor traditionally used as common medicine. This plant is also known as "featherfew" due to its feathery leaves. The leaves have been used in medicinal preparation in past two decades for treatment of arthritis and migraine by both the British and Canadian government. The herbal plant of feverfew cultivated in large area of world that show medicinal importance. Plant grow substantially and show important strongly report in support of therapeutic uses. This aromatic plant look like yellow green leave and give bitter odour and give therapeutic active chemical constituents include pinenes flavonoid and glycoside. It shows various pharmacological properties, like antispasmodic, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and as an enema for worms. The colour of feverfew plant is yellow and bloom in October to July, which is also used in asthma, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Parthenolide may experience an acid-induced cyclisation in the presence of excessive moisture, resulting in a sesquiterpene lactone of the guaianolide class, which is frequently present in feverfew. If the composition satisfies pharmacopoeial microbiological quality standards, microbial degradations are unlikely to have a significant impact.

The substantiation of the composition of a soft medicine for the therapy of inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Aim. To substantiate the optimal composition of the base of the semisolid dosage form with the thick extract of feverfew (Tanacetum parthebased on structural-mechanical, textural, adhesive and microscopic studies. Materials and methods. The study objects were samples of a semisolid dosage form with the thick extract of feverfew with various gelling agents and the reference drug “Irikar”. In the course of the research, a complex of structural-mechanical methods and the microscopic analysis of the samples were used. Results and discussion. The studies of structural-mechanical properties have determined the regularities in the rheological characteristics of the experimental samples made using different gelling agents. It has been found that the rheogram of the emulgel sample has a smooth transition from the elastic deformation region to the elastic-plastic one, which may indicate a more homogeneous distribution of the sample components. It has been also determined that the sample corresponds in the textural properties to the refenium) rence drug – “Irikar” cream. The structural-mechanical studies have substantiated the rational content of the gelling agent in the emulgel composition – 3 %. The results of rheological studies have been confirmed by the data of the microscopic studies. Conclusions. The data obtained are the basis for further pharmaceutical development of a drug with the thick extract of Tanacetum parthenium for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Anti-inflammatory properties of the extract of maruna virgin (Tanacetum parthenium L.) on the model of chronic inflammation modeled by the Freund’ adjuvant in rats

Еhe aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a thick extract of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) herb in chronic inflammation (adjuvant arthritis) in rats.
 The anti-inflammatory properties of the water-alcohol thick extract of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) herb (ETP) were studied in the model of adjuvant arthritis (ADA) (0.1 ml of Freund's adjuvant (PAF), once subcutaneously at the base of the tail of white nonlinear male rats (body weight 200–220 g). After 7 days, the introduction of PAF was repeated (subcutaneously in the right hind paw of rats). The animals were divided into 4 groups of 9 rats each, in the intact group – 6 animals. Distilled water (1 ml/100 g) was administered to positive control animals (PCs) on the background of pathology. An aqueous solution of ETP (50 mg/kg) and diclofenac sodium (1% starch suspension, 8 mg/kg) were administered from day 1 of the experiment and for four weeks daily intragastrically once daily. The volume of the affected foot (V) was measured using a LE7500 plethysmometer (PANLAB, Italy) in dynamics – at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after administration of a permissive dose of PAF. The intensity of inflammation in rats was assessed by peripheral blood parameters, biochemical indicators - markers of the inflammatory process. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the standard software package «Statistica v. 6.0». Differences between groups were considered statistically significant at p <0.05.
 The course of ADA was characterized by the development of systemic inflammation, as evidenced by an increase in the number of leukocytes, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the content of C-reactive protein (CRP). A statistically significant increase in the level of LF and sialic acids indicates membrane-destructive processes in connective tissue. Against the background of ETP significantly decreased the level of the main indicator of inflammation CRP 2 times, the content of markers of destruction of joint tissue – sialic acid and LF decreased by 1.9 times relative to PC animals, indicating a positive effect on local and systemic manifestations of inflammation in ADA. The effectiveness of ETP was not inferior to diclofenac sodium (DS).
 Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that the studied ETP at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the ADA model in rats has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and is not inferior to diclofenac sodium, which makes it promising further research as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Research on the selection of emulgel preservative with thick extract of feverfew

Research on the selection of emulgel preservative with thick extract of feverfew

LB729 A Parthenolide-Depleted Feverfew Extract Reverses Genetic and Epigenetic Changes induced by Particulate Matter Demonstrating Pleiotropic Mechanisms of Action Behind its Anti-Inflammatory Benefits and Protection Against Pollution

Particulate matter (PM) of pollution causes oxidative stress leading to inflammation and premature skin aging. A parthenolide-depleted (PD) feverfew extract has been shown to reverse these changes induced by PM and provides anti-inflammatory benefits and protection against pollution. However, few studies have examined the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate PD-feverfew’s skin protection benefit against PM was also mediated epigenetically. Primary human keratinocytes were treated with PM with or without PD-feverfew extract.

27027 Mitigation of damage induced by environmental pollution by feverfew extract

Consumers are constantly looking for more from their sun care products, thus a sun protection platform was created to provide invisible protection and expand the definition of protection beyond sun to total defense from the environment. One interacts with a plethora of different environmental aggressors daily, namely: 1) UV radiation, 2) atmospheric pollutants, 3) cigarette combustion products, 4) indoor heating and cooling (decrease humidity and can lead to drier skin), and 5) environmental ozone (a powerful oxidant). The products in this sun protection platform were created with an antioxidant complex comprised of feverfew extract and vitamin E to help protect skin from these environmental aggressors. Testing was performed by quantifying the barrier function of the skin through transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) testing in a human epidermal skin-equivalent model. The feverfew extract in this platform is a patented parthenolide-free extract (PFE), which enables feverfew to be used in topical skincare without risk of skin sensitization. The external aggressors of heat, cold, ozone, cigarette smoke, and UV radiation were shown to disrupt the barrier function of the skin equivalents. Skin equivalents treated with feverfew extract were shown to have significantly better barrier function (P < .01) and inhibition of IL-1α than untreated skin equivalents (P < .05). By mitigating these markers of inflammation and mitigating disruption of the skin barrier function, feverfew was shown to help reinforce the natural defenses of the skin against the cumulative damage caused by environmental aggressors.

Research of the choice of the basis of a semi-solid medicine with a semi-solid extract of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

The aim. To conduct the research on the choice of the basis for a mild drug with a semi-solid extract of feverfew for use in dermatology.&#x0D; Materials and methods. In the study of the solubility of a semi-solid extract of feverfew (SSFE) used the method of optical microscopy using a laboratory microscope “Konus Academy”. Determination of pH and homogeneity of the studied samples was performed according to the methods described in SPhU, Vol.1. The bioavailability of the model samples was investigated by diffusion in 3 % agar gel. Colloidal stability and thermal stability were determined according to the methods of GOST 29188.3-91. Measurements of rheological parameters were performed on a rotary viscometer “MYR 3000 V 2R” (Viskotech, Spain). Determination of particle distribution was performed using a laser diffraction analyzer of particle size Mastersizer 3000.&#x0D; Results. The best results in determining the organoleptic properties, stability and degree of release of biologically active substances (BAS) showed samples prepared on emulgel and gel bases. Structural and mechanical parameters of the samples on these bases proved the presence of a non-Newtonian type of flow with plastic and thixotropic properties. When determining the distribution of SSFE particles by optical diffraction, their smaller size was determined in the sample on an emulgel basis in comparison with the gel.&#x0D; Conclusions. Emulgel loaded with specific drugs has been found effective in some topical disorders, and it is emerging as potential drug delivery system in the area of dermatology. Since emu-lgel shows enhanced spreadability, adhesion, viscosity and extrusion. Based on the obtained results, an emulsion gel base was chosen as a carrier for a semi-solid drug with SSFE

18274 Particulate matter

Background: There is increasing evidence that pollution causes premature skin aging, including loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated a link between air pollution and skin hyperpigmentation, or age spots. Particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) is one of the main components of air pollution that carries harmful heavy metal and toxic chemical compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The current study used cultured melanocytes to demonstrate PM2.5-induced hyperpigmentation and investigate the effect of a known potent antioxidant, a purified feverfew extract.

Identification of antioxidative ingredients from feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) extract substantially free of parthenolide and other alpha-unsaturated gamma-lactones

Extract of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has anti-inflammatory effect with various therapeutic benefits. Alpha-unsaturated gamma-lactones including parthenolide were recognized as part of the major active ingredients but with undesirable allergic reactions.

Contact sensitization to florists' chrysanthemums and marguerite daisies in Denmark: A 21-year experience.

Both florists' chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum cultivars) and marguerite daisies (Argyranthemum frutescens [L.] Sch.Bip. and its varieties and cultivars) are popular ornamental plants in Denmark. To present results of aimed patch testing with chrysanthemum and marguerite daisy extracts in Danish patients with Compositae sensitization. The results of patch testing with chrysanthemum extract 3% petrolatum (pet.) and marguerite daisy extract 3% pet. (and possibly 1% pet.) from 1998 to 2019 were analyzed. Altogether, 111/191 (58%) patients tested positive to chrysanthemum extract and 104/179 (58%) tested positive to marguerite daisy. The majority was recreationally exposed, and most reactions were considered relevant. Feverfew extract 1% pet., Compositae mix 5% or 6% pet., or parthenolide 0.1% pet. may cross-react with chrysanthemum; Compositae mix seems to be best at detecting sensitization to marguerite daisy. In areas where exposure to chrysanthemum or marguerite daisies is prevalent, it is suggested to include extracts of these plants in the plant series to improve diagnosis of, and advice to, Compositae-allergic patients.

EFFECTIVITY OF THREE BOTANICAL CRUDE EXTRACTS ON IMMATURE OF WHITEFLY (BEMISIA TABACI GENN.) UNDER ENCLOSURE CONDITIONS

Pest management of habanero chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq., Solanaceae) the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemyptera: Aleyrodidae) is a key plague insect as a virus-vector, capable of causing serious economic loss. Their control is broadly based on Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoids product. B. tabaci have resistance to imidacloprid now. Some plants extracts are suggest in the literature how insect repellent properties over whiteflies, including allspice [Pimenta dioca (L.) Merrill, (Myrtaceae)], sweet basil [Ocimun basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)] and wild feverfew [Parthenium hysterophorus L.(Asteraceae)]. The preliminary screening under controlled conditions for evaluating the repellent effect of crude aqueous extracts, in a 1:1 ratio based on mass weight foliage moisture; was evaluate for each one of above-mentioned plants, against nymphs and eggs of whitefly. Results show that basil and feverfew extracts was significantly effective in preventing oviposition by adult whiteflies on habanero chili foliage, with allspice showing the lowest effect. Fields studies have to be carried out in this regards.

Haematological and acute-phase response of dogs with experimental skin Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to treatment with antibiotic and parthenolide

Changes in white blood cells, leukogram patterns, the positive acute-phase protein (APP) fibrinogen and negative APPs (albumin and arylesterase) were monitored to evaluate their potential as sensitive indicators throughout the course of therapy in canine skin Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The study was performed on 15 male mixed-breed dogs, divided in three groups of 5 dogs each. Dogs from group A were injected subcutaneously with P. aeruginosa bacterial culture (1 × 108 CFU/mL) at a dose of 0.3 mL/kg and treated with enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) on post infection hour 48 for 10 consecutive days. Dogs from group B were infected and treated with a combination of enrofloxacin (at above-mentioned dose and intervals) and parthenolide (feverfew extract 90 mg, 0.7 % parthenolide). The schedule consisted of daily oral intake of two capsules of feverfew beginning on post infection hour 4 and continued for 6 days. The control group C included healthy dogs, injected s.c. with 0.3 mL/kg physiological saline. The haematological indices and APPs were assayed before infection and on 4th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hours and on 7th, 10th and 14th days after infection. Infected and antibiotic-treated dogs responded with significant leukocytosis, left shift, eosinopaenia and lymphopaenia between hours 24 and 72. In this group, fibrinogen increased substantially by post infection hours 24 (p < 0.01 vs 0 h; p < 0.05 vs group C), 48 (p < 0.001 vs 0 h; p < 0.05 vs group C) and 72 (p < 0.001 vs 0 h; p < 0.01 vs group C) while albumin reduction was marked by hours 48 (p < 0.05 vs 0 h) and 72 (p < 0.05 vs 0 h; p < 0.001 vs group C) and day 7 (p < 0.01 vs 0 h; p < 0.001 vs group C). The combination of enrofloxacin and parthenolide modified, at a significant extent, the deviations in studied parameters except for eosinophil percentage, which persisted low.

The Effect of Feverfew Cultivated in Iran for the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Background: One of the most common types of headache is migraine that often begins before 30 years age. The use of complementary preventive treatments has been growing worldwide that can be decrease the frequency and severity of migraine attacks with minimal side effects. Tanacetum parthenium L. (common name: feverfew) from Compositae family have traditionally been used as a febrifuge and remedy for migraine prophylaxis. Objectives: In present study, the effect of feverfew cultivated in Iran has been studied as a prophylactic treatment of migraine in a placebo-controlled clinical trial during 3 months. Patients and Methods: Criteria for inclusion were migraine without aura diagnosed after a careful medical history-taking according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. The Migraine Disability Assessment Scores (MIDAS) questionnaire is quite a useful tool in clinical trial that the patients were recognized for migraine impact at the baseline and end of the study. Results: In the case group, after three months of treatment with feverfew, the MIDAS score was reduced to 19.18 ± 4.02. Compared to control group, the changes in intensity and frequency of migraine, in the treatment group was significant, at the end of the study (P < 0.05). Regarding the safety of feverfew extract the incidence of side effects in the treatment group was similar to placebo. Conclusions: In conclusion, the extract of feverfew showed a significant migraine prophylactic effect with no adverse events.

Sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide attenuates production of inflammatory mediators by suppressing the Toll-like receptor-4-mediated activation of the Akt, mTOR, and NF-κB pathways.

Microbial product lipopolysaccharide has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. Parthenolide present in extracts of the herb feverfew has demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the effect of parthenolide on the Akt/mTOR and NF-κB pathway activation-induced productions of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes has not been studied. Using human keratinocytes, we investigated the effect of parthenolide on the inflammatory mediator production in relation to the Toll-like receptor-4-mediated-Akt/mTOR and NF-κB pathways, which regulate the transcription genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Parthenolide, Akt inhibitor, Bay 11-7085, and N-acetylcysteine each attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of IL-1β and PGE2, increase in the levels of cyclooxygenase, formation of reactive oxygen species, increase in the levels of Toll-like receptor-4, and activation of the Akt/mTOR and NF-κB in keratinocytes. The results show that parthenolide appears to attenuate the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes by suppressing the Toll-like receptor-4-mediated activation of the Akt, mTOR, and NF-κB pathways. The activation of signaling transduction pathways appear to be regulated by reactive oxygen species. Parthenolide appears to attenuate the microbial product-mediated inflammatory skin diseases.

Feverfew for preventing migraine.

This review is an update of a previously published review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews on 'Feverfew for preventing migraine' (2004, Issue 1). Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) extract is a herbal remedy, which has been used for preventing attacks of migraine. To systematically review the evidence from double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of feverfew monopreparations versus placebo for preventing migraine. For this updated version of the review we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED to January 2015. We contacted manufacturers of feverfew and checked the bibliographies of identified articles for further trials. We included randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials assessing the efficacy of feverfew monopreparations for preventing migraine in patients of any age. We included trials using clinical outcome measures, while we excluded trials focusing exclusively on physiological parameters. There were no restrictions regarding the language of publication. We systematically extracted data on patients, interventions, methods, outcome measures, results and adverse events. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool and evaluated methodological quality using the Oxford Quality Scale developed by Jadad and colleagues. Two review authors (BW and MHP for this update, MHP and EE for the original version) independently selected studies, assessed methodological quality and extracted data. We resolved disagreements concerning evaluation of individual trials through discussion. We identified one new study for this update, resulting in six trials (561 patients) meeting the inclusion criteria. Five of the six trials reported on the main outcome, migraine frequency. Although five of the trials were generally of good methodological quality, all studies were either of unclear or high risk of bias with regards to sample size. Pooled analysis of the results was not possible due to the lack of common outcome measures and heterogeneity between studies in terms of participants, interventions and designs.The most recent trial added to this version of the review is rigorous and larger (n = 218), using a stable feverfew extract at a dose determined by a previous dose-finding trial. It reports that feverfew reduced migraine frequency by 1.9 attacks from 4.8 to 2.9 and placebo by 1.3 from to 4.8 to 3.5 per month, resulting in a difference in effect between feverfew and placebo of 0.6 attacks per month. For the secondary outcome measures intensity and duration of migraine attacks, incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting, and global assessment no statistically significant differences were reported. Results of previous trials are not convincing: three trials reporting positive effects of feverfew are all of small sample size (17 to 60 participants), while two rigorous trials (n = 50, 147) did not find significant differences between feverfew and placebo. Only mild and transient adverse events, most commonly gastrointestinal complaints and mouth ulcers, were reported in the included trials. Since the last version of this review, one larger rigorous study has been included, reporting a difference in effect between feverfew and placebo of 0.6 attacks per month. This adds some positive evidence to the mixed and inconclusive findings of the previous review. However, this constitutes low quality evidence, which needs to be confirmed in larger rigorous trials with stable feverfew extracts and clearly defined migraine populations before firm conclusions can be drawn. It appears from the data reviewed that feverfew is not associated with any major safety concerns.

St. John's Wort seed and feverfew flower extracts relieve painful diabetic neuropathy in a rat model of diabetes

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes and the few approved therapies for the management of pain have limited efficacy and side effects. With the aim to explore and develop new pharmacological treatments, we investigated the antihyperalgesic properties of St. John's Wort (SJW) and feverfew in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Acute administration of a SJW seed extract reversed mechanical hyperalgesia with a prolonged effect. A SJW extract obtained from the aerial portion of the plant and a feverfew flower extract partially relieved neuropathic pain whereas a feverfew leaf extract was ineffective. The antihyperalgesic efficacy of these herbal drugs was comparable to that of clinically used antihyperalgesic drugs (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, l-acetyl-levocarnitine). Further examinations of SJW and feverfew composition revealed that hyperforin and hypericin might be responsible for the antihyperalgesic properties of SJW whereas the efficacy of feverfew seems to be related to the presence of parthenolide. Rats undergoing treatment with SJW and feverfew did not show any behavioral side effect or sign of altered locomotor activity. Our results suggest that SJW and feverfew extracts may become new therapeutic perspectives for painful DPN.

A purified Feverfew extract protects from oxidative damage by inducing DNA repair in skin cells via a PI3-kinase-dependent Nrf2/ARE pathway

BackgroundEnvironmental factors such as solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other external aggressors provide an oxidative challenge that is detrimental to skin health. The levels of endogenous antioxidants decrease with age, thus resulting in less protection and a greater potential for skin damage. The NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) – antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway is a primary defense mechanism against oxidative stress, and induces the expression of antioxidant, detoxification and repair genes. Activation of ARE-Nrf2 can help restore oxidative homeostasis of the skin and play a role in inflammatory response and DNA repair mechanisms. ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of a purified parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (PD-Feverfew) extract on the ARE-Nrf2 pathway and DNA repair in skin cells. MethodsThese studies were undertaken in primary human keratinocytes or KB cells using Luciferase Promoter assay, siRNA transfection studies, Western blot analyses, Immunofluorescence microscopy, comet assay and quantitative real-time PCR. ResultsPD-Feverfew was found to induce Nrf2 nuclear translocation and to increase ARE activity in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, knockdown of Nrf2 resulted in suppression of PD-Feverfew-induced ARE activity. PD-Feverfew was also found to induce phosphorylation of Akt, a kinase downstream of PI3K. Inhibition of PI3K via pre-treatment with the selective pharmacological inhibitor, LY294002, abolished PD-Feverfew-induced Nrf2/ARE activation. PD-Feverfew also reduced UV-induced DNA damage in a PI3K and Nrf2-dependent manner. ConclusionsTherefore, by increasing endogenous defense mechanisms and aid in DNA repair of damaged skin cells via activation of a PI3K-dependent Nrf2/ARE pathway, PD-Feverfew may help protect the skin from numerous environmental aggressors.

Parthenolide, an inhibitor of the nuclear factor-κB pathway, ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Background Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which controls transcription of various pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone compound isolated from extracts of the herb Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium), has been demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of NF-κB activation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of parthenolide on an experimental murine colitis model. Materials and methods Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and mice were divided into 3 groups: normal control, DSS + saline, and DSS + parthenolide. The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phospho-IκBα, IκBα and phospho-NF-κB p65 expression were assessed by western blot analysis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was determined by using MPO assay kit. Results Administration of parthenolide significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis as assessed by DAI and histological score, and resulted in downregulation of MPO activity and phospho-NF-κB p65 expression by the blockade of phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IκB protein, strikingly reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusion Parthenolide exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may therefore provide a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC.

Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Mouse Macrophage Cells by Feverfew Supercritical Extract

Feverfew is the most commonly used medicinal herb against migraine headache. The antimigraine mechanism of feverfew supercritical extract was investigated in vitro using the mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Mouse macrophage cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence and absence of feverfew extracts. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide and TNF-α synthesis were quantified by ELISA. The mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and eNOS genes were analysed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The feverfew extract inhibited both nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α production in a dose-dependent manner with complete inhibition of NO occurring at 5 µg/mL of feverfew extract. Both eNOS and iNOS mRNA levels were unchanged with the feverfew treatment. However, eNOS and iNOS proteins were significantly down-regulated by the feverfew extract. Feverfew inhibition of NO is due to the down-regulation of both eNOS and iNOS enzymes at the translational and/or post-translational level.