2.2.2 Parthenolide
Biological Source It is obtained from the leaves of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip, belonging to family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as feverfew and has been employed for centuries as an effective febrifuge (antipyretic) which perhaps suggested the original nomenclature.
It is also obtained from Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Bernh. Family Compositae; and
Magnolia grandiflora (L.) family Magnoliaceae.
Geographical Source The plant M. grandiflora is a native of North America and also cultivated in Indian gardens.
Chemical Structure Parthenolide is a sesquiterpenoid lactone having the following structure with the chemical name 4,5α-epoxy-6 β-hydroxy germacra-1 (10), 11(13)-dien-12-oic acid γ-lactone.
It has an additional epoxide bridge between 4-and 5α-positions.
Uses
1. It is found to act as a serotonin antagonist thereby causing an inhibition of the release of serotonin from blood platelets.
2. Based on the findings conducted by an elaborated double blind placebo-controlled clinical trials have established that the drug is significantly effective in the prophylaxis of migraine by reducing considerably the severity as well as the frequency of the pain due to headache.
3. A normal dose of 125 mg per day of good quality dried leaves either in the form of tablets or capsules are used in the therapeutic practice as an antipyretic or febrifuge.
