Parthimel effectively counteracts the onset of migraines, acting synergistically also thanks to its regulatory activity on vascular muscle contraction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The anti-migraine properties of Tanacetum parthenium are primarily due to the bioactive compound known as parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone. Parthenolide acts by inhibiting platelet aggregation and the release of serotonin (5-HT) from dense granules of platelets, thereby expressing its anti-aggregating activity and regulating vascular muscle contraction. The anti-aggregating activity has also been demonstrated through the inhibition of thromboxane synthesis due to the inactivation of membrane phospholipase PLA2. This compound also exerts an inhibitory action on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and on the activity of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), promoted by the inflammatory process. Finally, the anti-inflammatory action of this molecule is also mediated by blocking the activity of NF-kB, a nuclear transcription factor involved in inflammatory processes that plays a key role in promoting the synthesis of the main chemical mediators of inflammation. Due to these properties of parthenolide, its potential use for migraine has been studied in recent years, verifying its efficacy. However, it is important to remember that, through the use of the phyto-complex, it is possible to enhance its activity also thanks to the anti-inflammatory and vascular muscle relaxing action of flavonoid compounds.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

● Pareek, A., Suthar, M., Rathore, G. S., & Bansal, V. (2011). Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(9), 103. ● Rajapakse, T., & Davenport, W. J. (2019). Phytomedicines in the treatment of migraine. CNS drugs, 33, 399-415. ● Tassorelli, C., Greco, R., Morazzoni, P., Riva, A., Sandrini, G., & Nappi, G. (2005). Parthenolide is the component of tanacetum parthenium that inhibits nitroglycerin-induced Fos activation: studies in an animal model of migraine. Cephalalgia, 25(8), 612-621. ● Makheja, A. N., & Bailey, J. M. (1982). A platelet phospholipase inhibitor from the medicinal herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and medicine, 8(6), 653-660.