Author(s):
R. Saraswathi, S. Anbazhagan, P. Muralidharan
Email(s):
muralidharanp@care.edu.in
DOI:
10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00037 
Address:
R. Saraswathi1, S. Anbazhagan2, P. Muralidharan3*
1Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam - 603103.
2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram - 605652.
3Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad School of Pharmaceutical sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam - 603103, Tamilnadu, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Migraine is a complex and recurrent neurovascular disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life and productivity of individuals worldwide. The limitations of conventional pharmacological therapies, including adverse effects and variable efficacy, have fuelled growing interest in herbal medicines as alternative or adjunct treatment options. Objective: This review aims to systematically explore and evaluate medicinal plants traditionally used for migraine management, with a focus on ethnobotanical origins, active phytoconstituents, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological validation. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify ethnomedicinal reports and experimental studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials) related to herbal treatments for migraine. Results: Numerous medicinal plants—including Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew), Petasites hybridus (butterbur), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Mentha piperita (peppermint) etc., demonstrate antimigraine activity through diverse pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory effects, serotonergic modulation, CGRP inhibition, antioxidant activity, and vasodilation. The bioactive compounds implicated include sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Conclusion: Herbal medicines present a promising and multifaceted approach to migraine management, drawing from rich ethnobotanical traditions and supported by emerging pharmacological evidence. However, further clinical validation, standardization of formulations, and mechanistic studies are essential to ensure their efficacy, safety, and integration into modern therapeutic regimens.
Cite this article:
R. Saraswathi, S. Anbazhagan, P. Muralidharan. Herbal Medicines in the Management of Migraine: Ethnobotanical Insights and Pharmacological Perspectives. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(3):247-4. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00037
Cite(Electronic):
R. Saraswathi, S. Anbazhagan, P. Muralidharan. Herbal Medicines in the Management of Migraine: Ethnobotanical Insights and Pharmacological Perspectives. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(3):247-4. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00037 Available on: https://ajpsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-3-6
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