Posted by Jon H. (207.108.63.147) on October 09, 2000 at 11:47:26:
In Reply to: Feverfew/sansert posted by Bob P on October 09, 2000 at 10:00:43:
Methysergide maleate (Sansert)
Classification: Prophylactic for vascular headaches
http://www.nursespdr.com/members/database/ndrhtml/methysergidemaleate.html
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Sumatriptan succinate (Imitrex)
Classification: Antimigraine drug
http://www.nursespdr.com/members/database/ndrhtml/sumatriptansuccinate.html
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Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
Classification: Tanacetum refers to a genus of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. This is the family of plants characterized by such well known species as thistles, dahlias, goldenrods, daisies, and sunflowers.
Active ingredients:
Contains a range of compounds known as sequiterpene lactones (STL). The most important STL in feverfew is parthenolide. First isolated in 1960, parthenolide comprises up to 85% of the STL content in feverfew.
"The proof that parthenolide is the principal bioactive agent in feverfew is still scant. However, no feverfew product without parthenolide content has been shown to be effective in ameliorating migraine. Parthenolide has been found to reduce degranulation and the subsequent release of serotonin (5-HT, a neurotransmitter and vasoactive amine) from platelets. As serotonin release is thought to precipitate attacks due to cerebrovascular spasm, parthenolide has been accepted as feverfew's main pharmacological agent. However, many other compounds have been discovered in T. parthenium. These include tanetin (a lipophilic flavonol), centaureidin, quercetagetin, apigenin, luteolin, and other bioflavonoids, some of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. As with ginkgo biloba and other phytomedicinals, feverfew's chemical composition is complex."
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/wwwboard/messages/66163.html
I prefer feverfew because it is natural, with no reported side effects, and it works!