Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) has been used in for the symptoms of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual period pain and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, toothache and insect bites. "Organizations around the world are struggling with ways to ensure the identity and quality of their raw materials," said AHP executive director Roy Upton. "This new standard, as well as the ones that have already been developed helps to establish a strong foundation for quality control domestically." AHP said the new monograph is geared towards feverfew growers, analytical laboratories, manufacturers, marketers of feverfew products and herbal medicine health professionals. The botanical reference provides traditional and scientific data on the herb. It is especially relevant with the impending Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary supplements to be issued shortly. "They also provide botanical product manufacturers and researchers with essential information in order to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices in assuring identity, purity, and quality," said Upton. AHP-Verified Botanical Reference Standards are botanically, physically and chemically characterized reference compendium. "It addresses all aspects of quality control, including the clarification of issues regarding parthenolide as an appropriate marker compound or not, its safety and potential for allergic reactions, and complete methods of analysis and identification of feverfew and its adulterants," said Upton.
