Symphytum, Comfrey

Consolida Major
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887

Comfrey root (Adam, 2022)

Members CLICK HERE for the PRO VERSION
Botanical name:
Symphytum officinale
Other related species such as the Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) and Prickly Comfrey (S. asperum) have been used, but these should be avoided due to the higher levels of toxic alkaloids.

Parts used:
Root; Leaf

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, neutral in respect of moisture (some said Temperate). Sweet, Bitter

Classifications:
2C INCIDERS.    2D ATTENUATERS OF CONGEALED BLOOD.    2L. EMOLLIENT.    2O. ASTRINGENT.    2P. HEMOSTATIC.    2T. GLUTINATE
2W. SARCOTIC.    2X. INCARNATIVE
3L. ANTI-TUSSIVE.    3M. ARTHRITIC
4f. SPLENETIC.    4k. ARTHRITIC
TCM:
B. Clears Heat, Cools the Blood      B. Clears Deficient Heat

Uses:
1. Nourishes the Yin, Strengthens the Kidneys and Bones:
-lower back and knee weakness; chronic back pain

2. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding and Leakages:
-bleeding from heat

3. Clears Heat, Nourishes Yin, Promotes Healing:
-tidal or hectic fevers

4. Nourishes the Blood:
-strengthens the Blood

5. Clears Heat and Phlegm, Stops Coughs:
-irritable coughs, Bronchitis, Laryngitis

6. Clears Heat, Moves the Blood, Resolves Masses:

7. Externally:
-all Trauma, Wounds, Bruises, Fractures


Dose:
 ... available in PRO version

Substitute:
 ... available in PRO version

Main Combinations:
Comfrey & Plantain
Licorice & Comfrey

Bleeding
1. Bleeding:
i. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Hemoptysis and other types of Bleeding from Heat, Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
iv. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
v. Comfrey root ... available in PRO version
vi. Comfrey ... available in PRO version
vii. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
viii. Excess Menstrual bleeding, Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version

Trauma, Wounds
2. Wounds, Trauma, Bruising, and Internal Bleeding:
i. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey root,  ... available in PRO version
iii. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
iv. oil for external use, Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
3. Vulnerary formulas for Wounds and Trauma:
i. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
4. Plaster for Fractures:
i.  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey root,  ... available in PRO version
5. Internally for Fractures, put Comfrey and  ... available in PRO version

Ulcers
6. Bladder or Kidney Ulcers, Comfrey root,  ... available in PRO version
7. Stomach Ulcers:
i. Comfrey root  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
8. Lung Ulcer, Comfrey root  ... available in PRO version(Gazophylacium Medico-Physicum, Woyts, 1746)
9. Liver Ulcers, Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version

Hernias
10. Hernias:
i. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
iv. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
v. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
vi. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
vii. Take Conserve of Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
11. Plaster for Hernia:
i. Comfrey root,  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version

Lungs
12. To strengthen the Lungs:
i. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
13. Whooping Cough:
i. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey leaf,  ... available in PRO version
14. Consumption:
i. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
iii. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version

Astringent
15. Diarrhea, Dysentery:
i. Comfrey root  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
iii. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
16. Mucous Colitis, Comfrey leaf,  ... available in PRO version
17. Leukorrhea:
i. Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey root with ... available in PRO version
18. Excessive Menstruation:
i. Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version

Other
19. Cancer, Comfrey ... available in PRO version
20. Varicocele, Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
21. Gonorrhea, Comfrey root  ... available in PRO version
22. Emollient Gargle, decoct Comfrey root with  ... available in PRO version
23. Postpartum pain:
i. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
24. Dryness of the mouth,  ... available in PRO version
25. Weakness or looseness of the joints:
i. boil Comfrey with  ... available in PRO version
ii. Weak or Lax Joints, Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version
26. Back Pain, Comfrey,  ... available in PRO version

Major Formulas:
Infusion for Hernia (Wirtzung)
Decoction of Comfrey and Solomans Seal
Decoction of Timaei (modified)
Decoction to Strengthen the Lungs
Decoction for Excessive Menstruation
Universal Vulnerary Decoction (Joseph Du Chesne)
Syrup of Plantain and Comfrey (Boyles Syrup)
Syrup of Comfrey Compound
Wine for Incontinence
Electuary of Comfrey (Fioravantus)
Powder for Bleeding of Galen
Powder for Bruises (Lemery)
Powder for After-pains (Midwife to the Queen of France)
Powder for After-pains (Lemery)
Powder for Hernia (Pharmacopoeia Extemporanea)
Powder to Break Blood Above and Below (Nicholas)
Pills Against Fluxes (Nicolas)

Cautions:
1. Not used during Pregnancy or while breastfeeding
2. Toxic in overdose or long-term use. Should not be used in those with Liver disease.

Comfrey, like other Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid (PA) containing plants has become controversial and its internal use is banned in a number of countries. In parts of Europe, Comfrey has been traditionally eaten as a food where there are reportedly no greater incidences of Liver disease. However, research has demonstrated potential Hepatotoxic effects. In general, Comfrey is traditionally used for short periods of time, especially as a wound herb. In these cases, use for 2–3 weeks should pose no risk. However, it is best avoided in the very young, elderly, while pregnant and breastfeeding, and in those with Liver disease. Its topical use is regarded as safe.

According to Hoffman, "Between 85% and 97% of the PAs in Symphytum officinale (True/Common) commonly grown in American gardens are built around the less toxic retronecine monoester. However, Russian comfrey (Symphytum peregrinum), contains higher levels of the diester, which, is known to have a greater toxicity." (See here). Further, echimidine is the most toxic PA in comfrey species and is found in higher amounts in Russian and Prickly Comfrey, not S. officinalis.

It is also important to note that toxic alkaloids are found in higher amounts in the root, therefore making the leaf a safer option for internal use.

An exhaustive review of literature found 8 suspected cases of adverse events from oral intake of Comfrey. However, as the authors noted, other factors such as medication taken simultaneously or incorrect identification could not be ruled out. The authors stated "Based on these case reports, the evidence of harm caused by these plants is weak." (see here)

Toxicity:
–Oral toxicity study of certain plant extracts containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids
–The comparative toxicity of a reduced, crude comfrey (Symphytum officinale) alkaloid extract and the pure, comfrey-derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lycopsamine and intermedine in chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus).
–Metabolism, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of comfrey.
–Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Compound Intermedine: Comparison with Other Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and Its Toxicological Mechanism
–Safety of medicinal comfrey cream preparations (Symphytum officinale s.l.): The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through human skin.

Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water, Conserves of the Flower, Conserve of the Root, Candied Root, Syrup of the Root, Extract of Comfrey (including the ‘Bloody Extract’), Powder, Decoction and Mucilage
  • Extra Info
  • Research
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Click the Tabs above for more information on this Medicine
1. REVIEW:
–Symphytum Species: A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Composition, Food Applications and Phytopharmacology
–Comfrey: a clinical overview.
–Symphytum Species: A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Composition, Food Applications and Phytopharmacology
–Comparative Assessment of Phytochemical Profiles of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Root Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Techniques.
–Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials.

2. ANTIOXIDANT:
–Extraction condition optimization and effects of drying methods on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root.
–Is comfrey root more than toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids? Salvianolic acids among antioxidant polyphenols in comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) roots

3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
–A Symphytum officinale Root Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Properties by Affecting Two Distinct Steps of NF-kappaB Signaling.

4. JOINT DISEASE / ARTHRITIS / BACK PAIN:
–Phytomedicine in Joint Disorders
–Herbal medicine for low-back pain.
–Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain: A Cochrane Review.
–Medicinal plants used for musculoskeletal disorders in Navarra and their pharmacological validation.
–Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis.
–Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
–Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial.
–Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials.
–Efficacy and safety of comfrey root extract ointment in the treatment of acute upper or lower back pain: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, multicentre trial.
5. ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC:
–Physicochemical properties and activities of comfrey polysaccharides extracted by different techniques.

6. BONE GROWTH:
–Symphytum officinale augments osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro as they differentiate into osteoblasts.

7. TRAUMA / SPRAINS:
–The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey
–Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions).

8. WOUND HEALING:
–Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract.
–Tolerability and effectiveness of an antitrauma cream with comfrey herb extract in pediatric use with application on intact and on broken skin.
–Skin wound healing and phytomedicine: a review.
–Observational study of the use of Symphytum 5CH in the management of pain and swelling after dental implant surgery.
–Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytumuplandicum Nyman) in children.
–Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study.
–Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy.

9. ULCERS:
–Efficacy and safety of symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

10. CANCER:
–Poly[3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) glyceric acid] from Comfrey exerts anti-cancer efficacy against human prostate cancer via targeting androgen receptor, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.