Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention

Murphy et al., 1988 | Lancet | Rct

Citation

Murphy J J, Heptinstall S, Mitchell J R. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention. Lancet. 1988-Jul-23;2(8604):189-92

Abstract

The use of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for migraine prophylaxis was assessed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. After a one-month single-blind placebo run-in, 72 volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either one capsule of dried feverfew leaves a day or matching placebo for four months and then transferred to the other treatment limb for a further four months. Frequency and severity of attacks were determined from diary cards which were issued every two months; efficacy of each treatment was also assessed by visual analogue scores. 60 patients completed the study and full information was available in 59. Treatment with feverfew was associated with a reduction in the mean number and severity of attacks in each two-month period, and in the degree of vomiting; duration of individual attacks was unaltered. Visual analogue scores also indicated a significant improvement with feverfew. There were no serious side-effects.

Key Findings

There were no serious side-effects.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	60
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Clinical Trials as Topic
Double-Blind Method
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Migraine Disorders
Plants, Medicinal
Random Allocation
Sesquiterpenes
Tanacetum parthenium

Evidence Classification

Level: Rct
Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
Vertical: feverfew

Provenance

PMID: 2899663
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09