What Is Comfrey? Other Names: Ass Ear, Black Root, Symphytum officinale

What is Comfrey?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue-regenerating properties, comfrey is commonly applied topically to treat a variety of ailments, including sprains, bruises, and back pain. Other names include: Ass Ear, Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Consolidae Radix, Consound, Consoude, Consoude Officinale, Consuelda, Grande Consoude, Gum Plant, Healing Herb, Herbe aux Charpentiers, Herbe à la Coupure, Knitback, Knitbone, Langue-de-Vache, Oreille d’Âne, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, Wallwort.

Medicinal Properties

Comfrey contains several bioactive compounds, including allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Allantoin, in particular, is known for promoting cell proliferation and wound healing, making comfrey a popular choice for treating injuries and skin conditions1 2 4.

Clinical Applications of Comfrey

Ankle Sprains

Comfrey has been extensively studied for its efficacy in treating ankle sprains. In a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study, comfrey root extract ointment significantly reduced pain and swelling in patients with acute unilateral ankle sprains compared to a placebo1. Another study compared comfrey extract to diclofenac gel and found that comfrey was non-inferior and potentially superior in reducing pain and swelling2 10.

Back Pain

Comfrey root extract has also shown promise in treating acute upper and lower back pain. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients treated with comfrey extract experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved functional outcomes compared to those receiving a placebo5 6 8. The combination of comfrey root extract with methylnicotinate further enhanced its efficacy, providing superior pain relief and patient satisfaction5.

Bruising

Comfrey ointment has been effective in reducing the size and color of bruises. A randomized clinical trial involving patients with acute coronary syndrome found that comfrey ointment accelerated the healing process of enoxaparin-induced bruising, making it a safe and simple treatment option4.

Bone Healing

In animal studies, comfrey has demonstrated potential benefits in bone healing. A study on rats showed that homeopathic comfrey treatment increased radiographic bone density around titanium implants, suggesting its utility in promoting bone regeneration3.

Safety and Tolerability

Comfrey is generally well-tolerated when used topically. Clinical trials have reported minimal adverse effects, primarily limited to minor skin reactions such as rash and itching, which resolved quickly7. However, it is important to note that comfrey should not be ingested due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver toxicity.

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Adverse Effects of Comfrey

Hepatotoxicity

Liver Damage: Comfrey has been shown to cause hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by increased levels of liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT in rabbits. Higher concentrations of comfrey extract (8% w/v) resulted in more significant liver damage, indicating a dose-dependent effect1.

Skin Reactions

Minor Skin Reactions: In a study involving comfrey-based creams for osteoarthritis, some participants experienced temporary and minor adverse reactions such as skin rash and itching. These reactions were resolved by modifying the application4.

Absence of Adverse Effects in Some Studies

No Adverse Reactions Reported: In a study on the efficacy of comfrey ointment for ankle sprains, no adverse drug reactions were reported, suggesting that topical application might be safer in certain contexts2.

Safe for Bruising: Another study on comfrey ointment for enoxaparin-induced bruising also reported it as a safe treatment, with no adverse effects noted3.

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How has Comfrey Improved Patient Outcomes?

Pain Reduction

Back Pain: Comfrey root extract ointment has demonstrated a significant reduction in acute upper or lower back pain. Patients using comfrey experienced a 95.2% reduction in pain intensity compared to 37.8% in the placebo group, with effects noticeable within one hour of application1 4.

Ankle Sprains: In patients with acute ankle sprains, comfrey ointment significantly reduced pain and ankle edema compared to placebo. It also improved ankle mobility without any reported adverse reactions2.

Osteoarthritis: Comfrey-based creams significantly reduced pain, stiffness, and improved physical functioning in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Both 10% and 20% comfrey formulations were superior to placebo3 6.

Inflammation and Healing

Bruising: Comfrey ointment accelerated the healing process of enoxaparin injection-induced bruising in patients with acute coronary syndrome, reducing both bruise size and color more effectively than placebo8.

Bone Healing: In animal studies, comfrey treatment promoted increased radiographic bone density around titanium implants, indicating enhanced bone healing10.

Comparative Efficacy

Versus Diclofenac: Comfrey extract was found to be non-inferior and potentially superior to diclofenac gel in treating acute unilateral ankle sprains, showing better outcomes in pain reduction and joint swelling9.

Combination Treatments: A combination of comfrey root extract and methylnicotinate was more effective than either component alone or placebo in reducing back pain and improving patient satisfaction5 7.

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Comfrey Mechanisms of Action

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Comfrey has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation. This is evident in studies where comfrey extract was applied topically, leading to a marked reduction in pain and swelling in conditions such as ankle sprains and osteoarthritis of the knee1 2. The anti-inflammatory properties are likely due to the presence of compounds such as allantoin and rosmarinic acid, which help to reduce inflammatory responses in the body.

Analgesic Properties

Comfrey also exhibits analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. In clinical trials, patients using comfrey-based creams reported significant reductions in pain compared to those using placebo creams. This analgesic effect is crucial for conditions involving acute pain, such as ankle sprains and osteoarthritis1 2.

Tissue Regeneration

One of the unique properties of comfrey is its ability to promote tissue regeneration. The compound allantoin, found in comfrey, is known to stimulate cell proliferation and support the repair of damaged tissues. This makes comfrey particularly useful in treating injuries where tissue damage is a concern1.

Clinical Evidence

Ankle Sprains: In a study involving patients with acute ankle sprains, comfrey ointment significantly reduced pain and ankle edema compared to a placebo. The treatment also improved ankle mobility without any reported adverse drug reactions1.

Osteoarthritis: In another study, comfrey-based creams were effective in reducing pain, stiffness, and improving physical functioning in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. The results were superior to those of a placebo cream, with only minor and temporary adverse reactions reported2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Comfrey Use

No Adverse Drug Reactions Reported

In a study involving patients with acute ankle sprains, the use of a comfrey extract ointment (Kytta-Salbe f) showed no reported adverse drug reactions. The treatment was well-tolerated both locally and globally, indicating a high level of safety for topical application1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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