Common Name(s): Parthenolide,parthenolide,feverfew sesquiterpene lactone,nf-kb covalent inhibitor anti-inflammatory
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides near-irreversible nf-kb inhibition through covalent ikk-β inactivation at ic50 ~1 μm, epigenetic anti-inflammatory gene expression from hdac inhibition, and anti-proliferative activity for anti-keratosis and anti-acne applications.
Why It's Used: Parthenolide's alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone is the strongest natural michael acceptor for nf-kb inhibition — the reactive exo-methylene alkene providing exceptionally fast and complete cys179 adduct formation versus other terpenoid michael acceptors.
How It Works: Parthenolide exo-methylene: michael addition to ikk-β cys179 thiol → permanent ikk-β inactivation → iκbα retained → nf-kb cytoplasmic sequestration → tnf-α/il-1β/il-6 transcription suppression. hdac inhibition: sesquiterpene hydrophobic pocket binding → h3/h4 acetylation → anti-inflammatory gene chromatin opening.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,anti-acne,sensitive skin
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Parthenolide skin sensitisation: the same covalent michael acceptor pharmacophore that provides anti-inflammatory activity can also react with skin proteins causing contact sensitisation at high concentrations — use below sensitisation threshold (typically <0.1%) with eu/ifra fragrance allergen monitoring.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,parthenolide sesquiterpene lactone nf-kb hdac anti-inflammatory review