Feverfew and cancer

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In a message dated 4/10/05 5:35:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

subscribe@... writes:

> FEVERFEW AND CANCER, PART II

>

>

> The latest University of Rochester findings on feverfew, while interesting

> from the point of view of pharmacology, are even more important in terms of

> basic science. They have deepened the scientific understanding of how stem

> cells are involved in the origin and progression of cancer.

>

> Currently, other treatments for AML, including the recently approved drug

> Gleevec, are only moderately effective. That may be because they do not affect

> the malignant stem cells, so " you're pulling the weed without getting to the

> root, " as Dr. Craig T. Jordan of the University of Rochester said. In

> laboratory experiments, the Rochester scientists have now shown that

parthenolide

> is in fact more selective at stopping cancer through apoptosis (programmed

> cell death) than was the standard drug cytarabine (Ara-C).

>

> There have been some prior experiments showing that feverfew compounds halt

> the growth of cancer cells. A phase I trial found that it was also

> relatively non-toxic, laying the groundwork for future studies of its

effectiveness

> (Curry 2004).

>

>

> Feverfew Available

>

>

> According to a University of Rochester press release, a person with leukemia

> would not be able to take enough of the over-the-counter herbal remedy to

> halt the disease. It is not clear how this information has been established in

> the absence of clinical trials. In fact, patients with leukemia might want to

> discuss this information with their hematologist-oncologist.

>

> Standardized feverfew products are widely available for the treatment of

> migraine and other conditions. Many brands describe their products as " high

> parthenolide. " One needs to read the labels carefully, however. I have found

> various products claiming to have 2, 5 or even 7 percent parthenolide by

weight.

> Some of these come from obscure companies. One should definitely look for a

> product marketed by a reputable company which would have something substantial

> to lose by deceiving the public about the strength and purity of its

> product.

>

> One such company is Nature's Way. This company markets three separate

> feverfew products: feverfew leaves, feverfew extract and an even more

concentrated

> product called MygraFew. This claims to have a standardized content of 2

> percent parthenolide. Thus, a 30 milligram tablet contains 600 micrograms of

> parthenolide.

>

>

> Cautions

>

>

> The label cautions that feverfew is not recommended for use by pregnant or

> lactating women, or children under two years of age. Certain individuals may

> also experience oral discomfort or irritation when using the product. If

> irritation does occur, the manufacturer advises discontinuing the use of the

> product immediately. According to the website www.intelihealth.com:

>

> " Feverfew has been well tolerated in studies. The most common side effects

> are mouth inflammation or ulcers, including swelling of the lips, bleeding of

> the gums, and loss of taste. When stopped suddenly after being used for long

> periods of time, feverfew may cause rebound headaches, anxiety, sleep

> disturbances, muscle stiffness or pain. Some people may experience more rapid

or

> pounding heart rates. Skin irritation or eczema may occur in those with

> feverfew allergies. Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight or sunlamps) has

been

> reported with other herbs in the Compositae plant family and may be possible

> with feverfew as well. Less common side effects may include stomach upset,

> such as indigestion, nausea, gas, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or

> heartburn. "

>

> It is not at all clear how often these adverse events occur. The website

> further cautions that feverfew may combine adversely with certain drugs:

>

> " In theory, feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding when used with

> anticoagulants (blood thinners) or anti-platelet drugs. Examples include

warfarin

> (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Feverfew may also increase the

> risk of bleeding when used with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as

> aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox).

> However, it is possible that feverfew may increase the effectiveness of these

> pain relievers.

>

> " Based on the results from some animal studies, it has been suggested that

> feverfew could worsen symptoms of depression or reduce the effectiveness of

> antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac). Feverfew should be used with

> caution in individuals with a history of depression or other psychiatric

> illnesses. "

>

> The current research work on the use of feverfew in the treatment of AML is

> extremely good news. Apart from anything else, it strengthens the argument

> that what is at the root of cancer is not a transformed body (somatic) cell,

> but a special type of stem cell. This concept has the potential to

> revolutionize the understanding of cancer, and its treatment.

>

> However, even with the help of NCI, it may be years before this flower

> derivative makes it to the market. One thing is certain. At around 20¢ per

> tablet, the cost is reasonable, and compares favorably with patented Gleevec,

> which, although better researched, costs around $100 per day.

>

>

Guzman ML, Rossi RM, Karnischky L, et al. The sesquiterpene lactone

parthenolide induces apoptosis of human acute myelogenous leukemia stem and

progenitor

cells. Blood. 2005 Feb 1; [Epub ahead of print]

JJ, Heptinstall S, JR. Randomised double-blind

placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention. Lancet.

1988;2:189-92

Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, et al. The efficacy and safety of

Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis--a double-blind,

multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study. Cephalalgia.

2002;22:523-32