The Parthenium, since ancient times has been used to relieve menstrual cramps. The most important active principles are the sesquiterpenic lactones, the main one being parthenolide, whose biological effects are the following: a) reduction of smooth muscle excitability (vasoconstriction) in the presence of inflammatory mediators; b) inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis; c) reduction of exocytosis (superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); and d) interaction with the synthesis and reception pathways of serotonin. The clinical studies conducted on the application of parthenium mainly concern the therapeutic activity in migraines. An important study on the prevention of migraine headaches has shown a reduction in the frequency of attacks and their intensity. Traditional adjuvant for the prevention of headaches and migraines, also for the prevention of painful periods. In addition, monoterpenics, favonoids and polyacetylenes have been identified.
