Evidence supporting the use of: Iridoids
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Iridoids are a class of secondary metabolites commonly found in several medicinal plants, such as feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Their use in supporting or treating migraine is primarily rooted in traditional and folk medicine. For example, feverfew, which contains parthenolide (an iridoid derivative), has been traditionally used in Europe for centuries to prevent migraines and alleviate related symptoms. Some early clinical studies in the late 20th century suggested a potential benefit of feverfew in reducing migraine frequency, but these studies were often small and methodologically limited. More recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that the evidence is inconsistent and not robust enough to conclusively support efficacy.
While iridoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, direct evidence linking iridoids themselves (as opposed to whole plant extracts) to migraine prevention or treatment in humans is sparse. Thus, the use of iridoid-containing plants for migraine is mostly justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.
In summary, iridoids are used for migraine support mainly due to longstanding traditional practices, with scientific evidence rated as weak or inconclusive (2/5).
Other ingredients used for Migraine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by iridoids
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Migraine