Parthenolide

Parthenolide specifically inhibits HDAC1 (histone deacetylase 1) without affecting other class I/II HDACs. Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone, a class of naturally occurring plant terpenoids, and an active principle of feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium). Parthenolide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antisecretory and spasmolytic activity. Parthenolide has been shown to inhibit the release of various chemical mediators such as Cox-2, TNF-α and IL-1 in LPS-stimulated macrophages and activation of MAP kinase and NFκβ. Recent findings indicate that parthenolide binds to and directly inhibits Iκβ kinase. The compound has also been shown to block the production of thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4.