Mass detection for chromatographers: Benefits for the analysis of herbal medicines.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb that has long enjoyed traditional use as a remedy for migraine headache pain. The aerial parts of Feverfew (flowers, leaves and stems) contain parthenolide (a sesquiterpene lactone) which is believed to be responsible for the plant's biological activity. Dried feverfew aerial parts should contain approximately 0.2-0.5 wt.% parthenolide and adults are recommended a dose of 0.2-0.6 mg parthenolide daily for migraine prophylaxis. As a result of these recommendations manufacturers of feverfew herbal supplements require robust and accurate methods capable of detecting and quantifying low levels of parthenolide in feverfew ingredients and finished products.