comfrey studies
Video: Comfrey Research Highlights (2023)
Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials.
A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.) - Conclusions:Individual clinical trials showed evidence of benefit for ankle distortion, back pain, abrasion wounds and osteoarthritis. Topical application appears to be safe but further rigorous assessment is needed. Systematic reviews focussing on particular indications may clarify the treatment effect and safety of external comfrey preparations.
The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey
Phyto-pharmacology of saponins from Symphytum officinale L
Ankles
- Topical comfrey root is superior to diclofenac (NSAID) gel in the treatment of ankle distortions.
- Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract in the treatment of ankle distorsions.
- Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized controlled clinical double blind study
- Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of an observer-blinded, randomized, multicenter study
Arthritis
In vitro studies.
An extract of comfrey significantly inhibited the respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, suggesting an anti-inflammatory potential [R].
Animal studies.
Comfrey extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity, by inhibiting carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema [R,R].
Human clinical studies.
A study on people aged 50–80 with OA of the knee proved that topically applied comfrey preparation decreased pain, although was unable to decrease the burden of inflammatory molecules or the rate of cartilage breakdown, the only noticeable adverse effect being local rash [R]. Similar results yielded another study on a similar population of years-long sufferers from OA of the knee: a comfrey-containing ointment improved the quality of life by decreasing pain and increasing knee-mobility [R].
Knee Osteoarthritis
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 - Both active topical comfrey formulations were effective in relieving pain and stiffness and in improving physical functioning and were superior to placebo in those with primary osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse effects
Back Pain
- Efficacy and safety of a Comfrey root extract ointment in the treatment of acute upper or low back pain: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial.
- Comfrey root extract showed a remarkably potent and clinically relevant effect in reducing acute back pain.
- Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Uterotonic
A variety of herbs exhibit uterotonic properties.