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Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
IS FEVERFEW TOXIC TO DOGS
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is also known by other different names such as flirtwort, camomilla, featherfew and the midsummer daisy. This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family meaning it is related to milk thistle, sunflower, dandelion and calendula.
If your furbaby has any known allergies to any of these plants or ragweed then it is best to use with caution or not use at all.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FEVERFEW FOR DOGS
Feverfew has several different types of beneficial uses such as;
FEVERFEW FOR DOGS AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
A benefit of feverfew for dogs is that it has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects. The sesquiterpene lactone, Parthenolide, has been shown to
“inhibit the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway.”1Kwok, B. H., Koh, B., Ndubuisi, M. I., Elofsson, M., & Crews, C. M. (2001). The anti-inflammatory natural product parthenolide from the medicinal herb Feverfew directly binds to and inhibits IkappaB kinase. Chemistry & biology, 8(8), 759–766. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1074-5521(01)00049-7
What they have noticed is that it binds to IKK which is an enzyme complex2IκB kinase – Wikipedia responsible for inflammation.
FEVERFEW FOR DOGS AS AN ANTI-ARTHRITIC
Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune mediated disease that is chronic and affects the joints causing inflammation and swelling and can cause lameness in dogs.
There is conflicting scientific research about whether this herb is good for arthritis as one such study
“shows no apparent benefit from oral feverfew in rheumatoid arthritis.”3Pattrick, M., Heptinstall, S., & Doherty, M. (1989). Feverfew in rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind, placebo controlled study. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 48(7), 547–549. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.48.7.547
However, in another study it is well documented that there is apparent benefit to inflammation from feverfew so it indeed has anti-inflammatory effects.4Kwok, B. H., Koh, B., Ndubuisi, M. I., Elofsson, M., & Crews, C. M. (2001). The anti-inflammatory natural product parthenolide from the medicinal herb Feverfew directly binds to and inhibits IkappaB kinase. Chemistry & biology, 8(8), 759–766. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1074-5521(01)00049-7
FEVERFEW FOR DOGS AS AN ANTI-CANCER
There is some promising evidence that feverfew possess anti-cancer properties although more research is necessary. The active constituent Parthenolide
“exhibits exceptional anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties”5Mathema, V. B., Koh, Y. S., Thakuri, B. C., & Sillanpää, M. (2012). Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, expresses multiple anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation, 35(2), 560–565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-011-9346-0
Studies have shown that feverfew has the ability to
“not harm normal cells”6Mathema, V. B., Koh, Y. S., Thakuri, B. C., & Sillanpää, M. (2012). Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, expresses multiple anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation, 35(2), 560–565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-011-9346-0
but at the same time is able to induce cell death signaling in cancer cells.
FEVERFEW FOR DOGS FOR DERMATITIS
Feverfew has also been used to treat dermatitis which is a skin condition that causes itching, redness and rash to name a few of the symptoms. Feverfew can cause skin sensitization because of the Parthenolide compound found in it but in one study to reduce this sensitization effect they depleted the parthenolide content. This proved that the depleted-parthenolide extract
“was more potent than whole Feverfew”7Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
at reducing the specific type of dermatitis that was induced.
FEVERFEW FOR DOGS AS AN ANTI-ALLERGY
Allergies happen when the immune system produces a response to a perceived threat. IgE or Immunoglobulin E are antibodies produced by your immune system and when your allergy is triggered the antibodies start overproducing and histamine is one these things released that produces an inflammatory response.8Tanaka, S., & Furuta, K. (2021). Roles of IgE and Histamine in Mast Cell Maturation. Cells, 10(8), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10082170
In one study, it was discovered that feverfew can produce inhibition of histamine in rats stimulated with anti-IgE.9Hayes, N. A., & Foreman, J. C. (1987). The activity of compounds extracted from feverfew on histamine release from rat mast cells. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 39(6), 466–470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1987.tb03421.x
HOW TO GIVE FEVERFEW TO DOGS
This herb can be given as a dried herb made from the leaves of the plant such as from one of my favorite suppliers for herbs;
Amazon.com: Frontier Organic Feverfew Cut and Sifted, 1 Pound : Grocery & Gourmet Food
Or in liquid extract form which is made from glycerin and is organic;
SIDE EFFECTS OF FEVERFEW FOR DOGS
Feverfew’s active constituent is parthenolide which comes from the fact that it is a sesquiterpene lactone. It could cause allergic reactions which is why I mentioned if your furbaby is sensitive to any members of the Asteraceae family then you should use with caution.
It should not be used in dogs that are pregnant or lactating. You should always consult your veterinarian before administering anything new in your furbaby’s life especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are on any other herbs or medications.
Check out our other articles for more information on herbs and their benefits and side effects for dogs, such as;
