BIOLOGICALLY-ACTIVE LIPOPHILIC FLAVONOL FROM TANACETUM-PARTHENIUM

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.