The essential oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.

The composition of the essential oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip. (feverfew; Asteraceae) of various origins was investigated using GC and GC-MS. Camphor and chrysanthenyl acetate were the main constituents of the samples originating from England and The Netherlands. No infraspecific variation in the composition of the oil was found. Furthermore, the essential oil content and composition of Dutch feverfew during a vegetative period was studied. The young herb, before the formation of the stems, yielded a relatively high percentage of oil (0.53%, v/w), calculated on the dry weight. After a sharp decline at the beginning of the formation of the stems (0.30%, v/w), the percentage of the oil increased until full bloom (0.83%, v/w). During the development of the plant the percentage of camphor rose from 28% to 48%, whereas the amount of chrysanthenyl acetate decreased from 30% to 22%. In none of the oil samples investigated could the potentially toxic monoterpenes α- or β-thuojone be detected. This is important, because feverfew is used over long periods of time as a migraine prophylactic agent. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide is held responsible for this biological activity. In addition, chrysanthenyl acetate may display an analgesic effect by inhibiting the enzyme prostaglandin synthetase. Based on the results of our investigations and literature data, a number of recommendations are proposed with respect to the essential oil of T. parthenium.