Healing plants Feverfew ingredient ensures faster regeneration of the nerves

Regeneration of nerve fibers by active ingredient from old medicinal plant possible
Many active ingredients of medicine were obtained from medicinal plants and even today researchers are always discovering new treatment options based on previously unknown herbal substances. In a recent study, scientists at the University Hospital Düsseldorf have identified a drug that contributes to nerve regeneration and could be used in many diseases with previously incurable nerve damage. Their results published the researchers in the journal "Journal of Neuroscience".

The research team headed by Professor Dietmar Fischer from the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf used an active ingredient from the medicinal plant "feverfew" (Tanacetum parthenium) to regrow damaged nerve fibers in mice. The effect was quite convincing. The active ingredient "is very promising for a possible clinical application in humans with disease-related or injury-related nervous disorders," according to the press release of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. To date, there are no drugs that can cause a cure here.

A new drug could enable the regeneration of nerve fibers. It is obtained from the medicinal plant feverfew. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com)

Investigation of nerve regeneration in mice
As part of their study, the scientists investigated in mice with damaged nerve fibers, how the nerve regeneration can be positively influenced. They found that mice with a genetically modified enzyme recovered much faster and better after nerve injuries than normal animals. In the next step, the scientists decoded the underlying mechanism and looked for substances that could mimic the effect. Here they came across the active ingredient Parthenolide, which comes from the medicinal plant "feverfew", reports the University of Düsseldorf. Traditionally, the plant has been used for example as a migraine.

Regrowth of nerve fibers
In cell culture experiments, the researchers were able to show that Parthenolide significantly accelerates the regrowth of nerve fibers (axons). Subsequent studies in mice with damaged sciatic nerves showed, according to the university, "that they were able to move their paralyzed toes again and perceive sensory stimuli within less than a week - and thus significantly faster than the untreated animals."

Remarkably, the systemic administration of Parthenolide had a corresponding effect, which is very promising for a possible clinical use in humans with disease or injury caused by nerve disorders. "This therapeutic approach is completely new," emphasizes Professor Fischer. Until the development of a ready-to-use drug, however, numerous further investigations are necessary.

New treatment options for neuropathies
For people with neuropathies, the active substance from the feverfew could open up completely new therapeutic options in the future, because so far they have almost no chance of recovery. According to the University of Dusseldorf, almost eight percent of the over 55-year-olds in the industrialized countries are affected by peripheral neuropathies (damage to the nerves, especially in the legs and arms), which are often the result of other illnesses such as diabetes mellitus.

Neurotoxic substances such as alcohol can cause damage to the nerves. As possible symptoms, the researchers call, for example, severe sensory disorders, disorders of motor skills and chronic pain. The previous treatment options can often only reach a standstill of the disease. This may change in the future thanks to the new drug, although further studies may be needed before it can be used as a drug. In addition, the researchers are currently investigating whether the feverfew drug can also positively affect the regeneration of the injured spinal cord or optic nerve, which are usually unable to regenerate at all. (Fp)