Method for the topical treatment and prevention of inflammatory disorders and related conditions using extracts of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions using an extract of feverfew. Particularly, the invention includes a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions which comprises applying a topical composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient and a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions of the skin by applying a topical composition containing an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient. In addition, the invention includes a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions by applying a topical composition containing an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient where said extract is substantially free of α-unsaturated γ-lactone.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions which comprises applying a topical composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where said inflammatory disorders or related condition is a disorder or related condition of the skin.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where said extract is substantially free of α-unsaturated γ-lactone.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where said extract is substantially free of α-unsaturated γ-lactone and said inflammatory disorder or related condition is a disorder or related condition of the skin.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  where said α-unsaturated γ-lactone is parthenolide.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  where said effective amount of said extract is from about 0.005% to about 10%.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  where said extract has a parthenolide concentration of from about 0 to about 0.2%.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4  where said extract further comprises flavanoid compounds.  
     
     
         9 . A topical composition useful in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory disorders or related conditions comprising an effective amount of an extract of feverfew and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8  where said extract is substantially free of α-unsaturated γ-lactone.