Parthenolide

Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone of the germacranolide class which occurs naturally in the plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), after which it is named. It is found in highest concentration in the flowers and fruit. Parthenolide's molecular structure depiction is often incorrect regarding the stereochemistry of the epoxide, although X-ray single crystal structures are available. The structure depicted here is the correct one. Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone of the germacranolide class which occurs naturally in the plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), after which it is named. It is found in highest concentration in the flowers and fruit. Parthenolide's molecular structure depiction is often incorrect regarding the stereochemistry of the epoxide, although X-ray single crystal structures are available. The structure depicted here is the correct one. Lack of solubility in water and bioavailability limits the potential of parthenolide as a drug, however synthetic analogs may be developed that could be absorbed to a more useful extent. The feverfew plant is used in herbalism for a variety of aliments. Some vendors specify the content of parthenolide in their products, believing it to be the primary constituent responsible for its activity. Parthenolide has a variety of reported in vitro biological activities, including: