Page 130 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS

 These functional groups represent reactive receptor sites for biological nucleophiles
such as thiol and amino groups of enzymes, therefore, they have a wide spectrum of
biological activities.

O

O CH2

NH2

Enzyme

Parthenolide

 Source: Fever few flowers, which are the dried flower-heads of Chrysanthemum
parthenium, Family Compositae.

 Fever few flowers contain sesquiterpene lactones, the principle compound is Parthenolide.
Parthenolide is a germacranolide sesquiterpene lactone. It has an epoxy function at C-
4 and C-5.

O O

Parthenolide O

Actions and Uses:

1. Treatment and prophylaxis of migraine; dose 50 mg for migraine prophylaxis.

Although the mechanism of action of fever few is unclear, it has been shown that

feverfew extract interfere with arachidonic acid metabolism and hence the production

of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. This action would be consistent

with the antimigraine effect.

2. It is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis dose (50-1200 mg).

3. It is used for menstrual problems.

4. Parthenolide has been shown to have anticancer and antimicrobial activities; however,

it may cause contact allergic reactions in some individuals.

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