A combination of coenzyme Q10, feverfew and magnesium for migraine prophylaxis: a prospective observational study

Background: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.), magnesium and coenzyme Q10 are frequently used for migraine prophylaxis. Supplementation with a fixed combination of these three agents (Antemig (R), PiLeJe) was investigated in an observational study. Methods: Adult patients suffering from migraine according to the criteria of the International Headache Society were enrolled by general practitioners (>= 2 migraine attacks during previous month; exclusion of chronic migraine and medication overuse) and after a one-month baseline phase, supplemented with one tablet of 100 mg feverfew, 100 mg coenzyme Q10 and 112.5 mg magnesium per day for 3 months. Results: Supplementation significantly reduced the number of days with migraine headache during third month of supplementation compared to baseline phase (1.3 days +/- 1.5 versus 4.9 days +/- 2.6, p < 0.0001; n = 68 intention to treat; primary criterion). The decrease was progressive over the period of supplementation and significant from first month (1st month: -2.5 days +/- 3.1, p < 0.0001; 2nd month: -3 days +/- 2.8, p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with a reduction of at least 50% in the number of days with migraine headache was 75% (51/68) after 3 months, with a progressive increase over the period of supplementation (63.2% [43/68] after 1 month and 70.6% [48/68] after 2 months). The proportion of patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) decreased between baseline phase and third month of supplementation from 61.9% (39/63 patients with information available) to 35% (21/60) for depression and from 52.4% (33/63) to 30% (18/60) for anxiety. An improvement of quality of life (Qualite de Vie et Migraine questionnaire) was also observed. The combination was well tolerated. Conclusions: Results suggest that the proprietary supplement containing feverfew, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium assessed could be beneficial and safe for the prevention of migraine in adult patients and merits further study.