Parthenolide

Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone which occurs naturally in the plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), after which it in named. It is found in highest concentration in the flowers and fruit.

The plant is well known in natural medicine. Tablets and tinctures are used for the relief of migraine, to help prevent blood clots, as an anti-inflammatory providing relief in cases of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid. Parthenolide is the main active ingredient. Many vendors of feverfew remedies specify the content of parthenolide in their products.

Biological activities

 * It is a potential anticancer drug. It destroys acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells by inducing apoptosis, leaving normal bone marrow cells relatively unscathed. Moreover, the compound may get at the root of the disease because it also kills stem cells that give rise to AML.
 * Parthenolide is active against a parasite Leishmania amazonensis.
 * Microtubule-interfering activity of parthenolide.
 * Anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects of sesquiterpene lactones.
 * Parthenolide blocks lipopolysaccharide-induced osteolysis through the suppression of NF-kappaB activity.