A new lipophilic flavonol, 6-hydroxykaempferol 3,7,4'-trimethyl ether,
called tanetin, has been characterized in the leaf, flower and seed o
f feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium. It co-occurs with the known 6-hydrox
ykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether, quercetagetin 3,7-dimethyl ether and q
uercetagetin 3,7,3'-trimethyl ether. Pharmacological tests indicate th
at tanetin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of fev
erfew by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, al
though it is unlikely to be the only biologically active compound with
in the plant. Water soluble flavone glycosides were detected in the le
aves and identified as apigenin 7-glucuronide, luteolin 7-glucuronide,
luteolin 7-glucoside and chrysoeriol 7-glucuronide.