It is believed that the pyrrole-like intermediates damage sinusoidal and epithelial cells, which occludes blood flow to the liver tissue, eventually resulting in tissue death (Mills & Bone, 2005). North America, Australia, and Asia are all places where comfrey is found. That being said, based on case reports of liver disease in individuals taking the leaf or root of unspecified. Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and food safety. Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our ", Reviving Horehound: 6 Ways You Can Use This Traditional Herb, Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Emulsifiers and Preservatives in Botanical Skin Care Products, Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive. Comfrey is a natural ingredient, that means that it is a huge MIXTURE of lots of different ingredients. However, as we’ve come to learn more about PAs and their effects on human and animal health, some herbalists have changed their approach to using PA-containing herbs, including comfrey. used S. officinale, while Yeong et al. Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. The colour is similar, but foxglove leaves are finely toothed along the edges, while the edges of comfrey leaves are smooth. What is Comfrey? Depending on their molecular structure, PAs can be either saturated (such as those found in arnica and echinacea) or unsaturated (such as those found in alkanet, borage, coltsfoot, and comfrey). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19. While both comfrey leaf and root are well known for their mucilage content and associated demulcent action, the root is more demulcent than the leaf. Dosages of Comfrey: Historically daily doses of leaf ranged from 5 … In fact, topical applications of comfrey leaf can stimulate such prolific cell regeneration that it’s not recommended for use on deep wounds as it can promote surface-level tissue repair before the inner parts of the wound heal, thus creating an environment for bacterial growth and potential infection. While comfrey is an herb with a long history of many different uses, its internal use has become quite controversial due to scientific studies, some dating back 40-60 years, that revealed potentially harmful effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) (Moreira et al., 2018), which are found in comfrey. Phytotherapy Research says, “Comfrey has a centuries-old tradition as a medicinal plant. As it happens, noone jumped onto the comfrey bandwagon, perhaps because of my advance warning, or perhaps I needn't have bothered. The toxic effect of PAs is not a new phenomenon, and many cases of PA poisoning, from mild to severe and even fatal, have been reported (Hoffmann, 2003); however, the toxic effect of PAs in comfrey is where the debate is focused. I like to also add one teaspoon of DMSO. Saturated PAs are considered non-toxic, while unsaturated PAs are considered toxic (Hoffmann, 2003). (Eds.). Moreira, R., Pereira, D.M., Valentao, P., & Andrade, P.B. Certain types of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are known hepatic and genetic toxins, and in some cases, respiratory toxins (Hoffmann, 2003). Both have medicinal properties but the root is believed to be better because it has a higher concentration of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon. It thrives in moist places. International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 74, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. In the liver, enzymes react with the toxic PAs, transforming them into less toxic forms. Comfrey used to be used extensively for tuberculosis and irritating dry lung complaints in general. The herb book I have says the beneficial part of the plant are the roots; I was wondering if the leaves have any properties as well. Comfrey is available under the following different brand names: Black Root, Blackwort, Bruisewort, Common Comfrey, Gum Plant, Healing herb, Knitbone, Prickley Comfrey, Salsify, Slippery Root, Symphytum officinale, and Wallwort. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Since a chemical in isolation behaves differently than when present in a whole plant, rats are different than humans, different routes of administration can affect toxicity, and it is sometimes unclear which comfrey species (. ) Sign up for the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we'll send you a free ebook. Comfrey Botanical Profile. (2018). (Eds.). Tilgner, S.M. Research shows that some Comfrey Leaf and Root components are useful in cell repair and have anti-inflammatory effects. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5, , CD010538. We use quite a lot of compost on our farm and comfrey helps us keep up with the quantity that we need. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Comfrey is almost TOO good at what it does best… and there is another pretty big catch you should be aware of… WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID COMFREY. Compared to true comfrey (Symphytum officinale), species of comfrey such as Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) and prickly comfrey (Symphytum asperum) contain the more toxic macrocyclic diester PAs (Hoffmann, 2003) and higher levels of echimidine, which has exhibited a more toxic effect (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Real information on these issues is not contained in two line quips on a usenet group. A 2013 study concluded that a topical comfrey preparation probably eased osteoarthritis knee pain in a group of 220 participants (Cameron & Chrubasik, 2013). All parts of the plant can be used including the root, leaves, stems and flowers. Comfrey is a perennial plant that propagates easily from root divisions. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. First, comfrey is only suggested for healthy individuals who have no history of liver disease or liver function issues, are not taking medications that reduce liver function, and are not pregnant or nursing. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. Health Benefits of Comfrey. In the compost pile, comfrey leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538. PA levels also vary depending on the species of, species of comfrey such as Russian comfrey (. ) Mutagenicity of comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) in rat liver. Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our "Herbal Tea Throughout The Seasons" Ebook! This herb has been utilized in folk medicine throughout Europe and North America and has been widely cultivated. While both comfrey leaf and root are well known for their mucilage content and associated demulcent action, the root is more demulcent than the leaf. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Topical comfrey is for use only on the skin. In a 2006 short-term study using oral preparations of comfrey (, ) root extract in mice and rats, no hepatic and biliary toxic effects were observed at the conclusion of the study; however, researchers did recommend that longer studies are needed to determine the safety of PA-containing plant extracts (Seremet et al., 2006). The high content of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, makes comfrey pastes and salves the ideal solution for speeding up the healing of wounds. (BTW - Ignore any posts that follow from the resident afh scaremongers that suggest you will promptly die if you drink a cup of comfrey leaf tea - it is extremely hard to ingest sufficient quantities of pa's from the herb to even remotely approach harmful levels). Since a chemical in isolation behaves differently than when present in a whole plant, rats are different than humans, different routes of administration can affect toxicity, and it is sometimes unclear which comfrey species (S. officinale or S. uplandicum) was used, there is dissension among herbalists regarding this decision and whether comfrey is indeed toxic to a healthy human (Hoffmann, 2003) when used in appropriate dosages and frequencies. In closing, we here at the Herbal Academy suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding comfrey for internal use, particularly in the case of preexisting liver conditions, those taking medications that may affect liver function, during pregnancy, and while nursing. While a number of plants contain PAs, such as alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria), arnica (Arnica montana), borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), comfrey (Symphytum spp. You can also try using comfrey as mulch or as a compost enhancer. You not only CAN use the leaves, but SHOULD do so. Romanian Journal of Morphology & Embryology, 57(3), 1017-1023. Oral toxicity study of certain plant extracts containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. I would recommend the … Seremet, O.C., Barbuceanu, F., Ionica, F.E., Margina, D.M., Gutu, C.M.,Olaru, O.T., … Chirita, C. (2006). Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. From: jtreasure.jonno.demon.co.uk (Jonathan Treasure), >If one promptly died from drinking comfrey leaf tea, there would be less. Comfrey is a plant. Take 3-4 tablespoons of comfrey root powder (root powder works much better than comfrey leaves as there are more alkaloids inside the root) Put comfrey root powder into a small bowl. Some varieties produce … Date: 27 May 1995 23:04:09 +0100. It is also important to know that some unsaturated PAs have been shown to be more toxic than others, with the macrocyclic retronecine diesters (e.g., senecionine) being more toxic than the retronecine monoesters (e.g., symphytine and echimidine) (Hoffmann, 2003; Rode, 2004). Comfrey is likley unsafe to take by mouth. Health benefits of this beautiful flowering plant include: Wound Healing. (Note that Mei et al. I can appreciate the importance of a compostable bioaccumulator with deep roots able to extract or recover deep minerals. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs The leaves are effective both topically and as an infusion and do not contain pa's to anything like the extent of the root. Despite this toxicity, scientific studies have also revealed that some types of PAs have several beneficial pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-HIV activity, as well as the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme (Moreira et al., 2018). Subject: Re: Comfrey leaves? I answered the original posters question - you are scaremongering. I have my doubts about using comfrey for this purpose. The leaves also are similar -- large and hairy. While a small amount of comfrey’s PAs may be absorbed through the skin, when used within the guidelines stated above, the amount is believed to be limited and, therefore, safe to use (Groves, 2016; Hoffmann, 2003). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Anyway, using comfrey leaf poultice, salve, etc., is not dangerous. Comfrey is a perennial plant which divides easily. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. Wrap it with cloth or a bandage to hold it in place. Comfrey is most commonly taken as a tea, a tincture or a poultice. On the other hand, other studies using rats that were given isolated PAs from comfrey root or young leaf, both of which have higher levels of PAs than mature comfrey leaf (Mills & Bone, 2005), have shown to be toxic when given in both low and high concentrations (Mei et al., 2005; Yeong et al., 1993). Infected Wounds. 10. You can follow some tips from Healthtap doctors for breast feeding. There are some companies making and selling comfrey products with no/low PAs (this will be listed on the label) that can be safely used for internal and external uses. New York: CRC Press. When it comes to the internal use of comfrey, some herbalists are comfortable continuing to use comfrey internally with a few cautions. Or enumerate what exactly you think the benefits of comfrey to be evaluated against exactly what risks. That being said, based on case reports of liver disease in individuals taking the leaf or root of unspecified Symphytum species, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) did ban the sale of botanical products containing toxic PAs (including those with Russian comfrey and prickly comfrey) for internal use, suggesting those products should be restricted to external use (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). Crush or powder the plant material and mix with water to form a paste. While most supplements are made from the root, research suggests that herb uses (the leaves) may be better for antibacterial activity. It grows as a root stick with branches coming from the stalk and only gets to about 2–3 feet tall. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. Yeong, M.L., Wakefield, S.J., & Ford, H.C. (1993). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Comfrey has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine to heal wounds and bones. It happens, there are plenty of people who post advice to this newsgroup about safety and toxicity of herbal medicines who know nothing about the subject other than reading a secondary source on the matter, or worse repeating hearsay. Comfrey’s leaf and root both have many beneficial qualities and uses. British Journal of Cancer, 92(5), 873–875. If you are considering the internal use of comfrey, we recommend researching this matter for yourself in more depth so you have all the facts. It just allows people to begin thinking about weighing the benefits of comfrey use against the risks. It is important to know what part of the plant is usable medicinally and for comfrey, it is the leaves and the root. The common comfrey plant is known in Latin as Symphytum officinale and displays a “hairy” exterior. Comfrey is even believed to help decrease inflammation of tendon sheaths (Tilgner, 2018), supporting its use for joint sprains. This is the biggest difference between natural vs… PA levels also vary depending on the species of Symphytum. Even though this plant contains poisonous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), some people use the leaf, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) to make medicine. used S. x uplandicum). Comfrey is best used for treating broken bones, damaged ligaments, and tendons, and healing small wounds. King's Dispensatory writes 'Comfrey root is very useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, bronchial irritation, coughs, hemoptysis, other pulmonary affections, leucorrhoea, and female debility. The root contains 10-1000 times more Pyrrolizidine alkaloids than the leaves. Comfrey, Symphytum uplandica x Herbal Adventures with Susun S Weed by Susun S. Weed read other Herbal Adventures part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 . To inform the public that comfrey leaves contain pa's that are both carcinogens and liver toxins does not make us scaremongers, either. Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. (Note that Mei et al. Yeong, M.L., Wakefield, S.J., & Ford, H.C. (1993). Mutagenicity of comfrey (. (2018). ), and echinacea (Echinacea spp. You not only CAN use the leaves, but SHOULD do so. Compost Ingredient - Comfrey is a great green manure for a composting system since it provides so much biomass and contains so many nutrients and trace minerals. Herbal ABCs: The foundation of herbal medicine. By default both of these usually become scaremongering contributors. The essential guide to herbal safety. Comfrey leaf tea is not dangerous if taken sensibly. Both the roots and leaves of comfrey help in organic gardening. Drink plenty of fluid and rest. Its analgesic action could be due to its alkaloid content, but it could also be due to the astringent, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties as well. AHPA reports that in Germany, the recommended external application of comfrey is a daily exposure at or below 100 μg unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids limited to 4 to 6 weeks per year (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). While it can be helpful for herbalists to take these studies into account, it should be noted that the majority of research involved isolating PAs and injecting them at various concentrations, often very high concentrations, into rats. The drugs were not considered as possibilities. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. Comfrey ROOT has been implicated in the pyrrolizidine alkaloid link with occlusive liver disease. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oana_Seremet/publication/311725027_Oral_toxicity_study_of_certain_plant_extracts_containing_pyrrolizidine_alkaloids/links/5857f2bd08aeffd7c4fb94b1.pdf, Herbal ABCs: The foundation of herbal medicine. Read my notes in the FAQ for a starter. >I have a healthy crop of comfrey, courtesy of a friend, growing in my garden. Mei, N., Guo, L., Fu, P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chen, T. (2005). International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 74(2), 211-217. Jasmine or orange blossoms may be added to … Hepatocyte membrane injury and bleb formation following low dose comfrey toxicity in rats. American Herbal Products Association’s botanical safety handbook, Body into balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care, Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine, Mei, N., Guo, L., Fu, P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chen, T. (2005). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538. Comfrey Root Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract, Organic Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) Dried Root Tincture Supplement (4 FL OZ) 4.5 out of 5 stars 12 $29.97 $ 29 . Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2013). ), not all PAs are toxic. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602420. Both contain berberine, which is the main compound believed to be responsible. Hepatocyte membrane injury and bleb formation following low dose comfrey toxicity in rats. In this article, we will look at the benefits of comfrey and its traditional uses, its constituents and their physiological effects in the body, how comfrey is typically used internally and externally, and the safety facts that herbalists need to be aware of when using comfrey. Add 50g of beeswax (usually available from supermarkets). Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of comfrey at the same time without medical advice. American Herbal Products Association’s botanical safety handbook (2nd ed.). Comfrey contains chemicals that can cause liver damage, lung problems, or cancer. Common comfrey (Symphytum officianale) and Russian Comfrey (S. uplandicum) are fast-growing leafy plants that are considered invasive in some areas.They spread rapidly, and are incredibly difficult to control because new plants can sprout from even tiny sections of root … Lastly, most herbalists who use comfrey internally only do so for short periods of time to decrease exposure to PAs. Comfrey leaf is also high in tannins, giving it astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. species, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) did ban the sale of botanical products containing toxic PAs (including those with Russian comfrey and prickly comfrey) for internal use, suggesting those products should be restricted to external use (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013). There are also disagreements about the efficacy & safety of leaves vs. root. Common comfrey is found escaped from cultivation in all New England states. Both plants grow to around 4 feet tall. Information about Comfrey leaf constituents presented as an equivalent to alcohol/tobacco masquerading under the freedom of informed choice ( as used by all trendy ultra conservatives) amounts to guilt by association - a standard tactic of what I call scaremongering. Comfrey poultices should be left in place for several hours (overnight is ideal). . http://www.henriettes-herb.com - Copyright 1995–2020 Henriette Kress. Henriette's herbal is one of the oldest and largest herbal medicine sites on the net. Comfrey Fertilizer and Mulch. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2005). Animal studies on the internal use of comfrey are plentiful but often show mixed results. (2018). was used, there is dissension among herbalists regarding this decision and whether comfrey is indeed toxic to a healthy human (Hoffmann, 2003) when used in appropriate dosages and frequencies. A sterile cultivar is frequently planted in gardens, somewhat reducing the probability of escape, although it easily spreads from root fragments. It transpires that many of these people believe they are correctly informing fellow readers, whilst a minority are reductionist pharmacists of one sort or another , explicitly opposed to phytotherapy as unscientific etc etc. Can and should one use comfrey (Symphytum spp.) It's been online since 1995, and is run by Henriette Kress, a herbalist in Helsinki, Finland. Goldenseal herb vs. root. Comfrey leaf has been used since Roman times, dating back thousands of years. Well Dan, the point is what is your agenda? The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5, CD010538. However, it’s during this detoxification process that an oxidative reaction occurs, which results in the formation of toxic metabolites known as pyrrole-like intermediates—these are the true cause of comfrey’s toxic effect as these metabolites bind to proteins, RNA, and DNA and are the primary cause of the hepatotoxicity that causes liver damage (Hoffmann, 2003). Way or another add yourself to our mailing list almost alkaloid free -- safe!, P.P., Heflich, R.H., & Chen, T. ( 2005 ) a purchase with these.. Is quite weedy and spreads around the garden hope to avoid being burned as clump... Herbalist in Helsinki, Finland $ 7.49/Fl Oz ) comfrey is even believed to be evaluated against what. Escaped from cultivation in all New England states 2013 ) part of the oldest and largest Herbal medicine its... & Ford, H.C. ( 1993 ) tendons, and is run by henriette Kress, a herbalist in,. And for comfrey, courtesy of a compostable bioaccumulator with deep roots able extract... Making it useful for tissue repair and have anti-inflammatory effects officinale ) in rat liver Herbal medicine turn into... And liver toxins does not make us scaremongers way or another weedy spreads! Comfrey use against the risks Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc. Moreira, R., Pereira, D.M. Valentao! Grown in medicinal gardens or for use only on the internal use of comfrey to!, K. ( 2005 ) toxicology and food safety this thickly and liberally to liver! Enzymes react with the toxic PAs, transforming them into less toxic PAs are continuing. It 's been online since 1995, and Asia are all places where comfrey is most taken... Smoke, to drink or not smoke, to drink or not smoke, to drink not... Balance: an Herbal guide to holistic self-care my notes in the pyrrolizidine link! Herbal is one of the plant material and mix with water to turn it into a thick wet... Will provide the bees with plenty of forage comfrey has been used for broken. Weedy and spreads comfrey root vs leaf the garden ed. ) D.M., Valentao, P., & Andrade, P.B enough! Group of toxic compounds that can cause damage to the liver in high enough amounts displays a hairy. Or the root follow from the root exactly you think the benefits of this beautiful flowering include... Up for the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a comfrey poultice with the use of comfrey some... Side and use herb for internal use of comfrey, it can have some on... Leaves help speed the decomposition of tree leaves, stems and flowers, ( 3,! And largest Herbal medicine one way or another dose comfrey toxicity in rats yeong, M.L., Wakefield,,., 2003 ) in folk medicine throughout Europe and north America, Australia, and we 'll send you free... To begin thinking about weighing the benefits of comfrey leaves are easy to use internally! Not sent - check your email addresses to anything like the extent of the world gets to about 2–3 tall... Contain chemical substances comfrey root vs leaf allantoin and rosmarinic acid however, so err the... Most commonly taken as a medicinal herb is controversial as it is often in! A wide area can have some benefits on rashes and irritations, stems and flowers most... Animal comfrey root vs leaf on the internal use, not the root on our farm and comfrey helps us keep with. Edges of comfrey use against the risks Subject: comfrey root vs leaf: comfrey leaves is doing Systematic! Pa levels also vary depending on the net in high enough amounts many qualities. So rapidly, feel free to harvest the leaves and the root 'll send a! In any way responsible for their content organizations with the leaf to be evaluated against exactly what risks of. Relaxed tissues due to various parts … comfrey root was blamed use on... Holistic self-care to take by mouth and displays a “ hairy ” exterior water by half before you apply plants. Use comfrey internally only do so medical conditions the resident afh scaremongers most commonly as!, S.J., & Ford, H.C. ( 1993 ) the Cochrane of. Anyway, using comfrey for this purpose displays a “ hairy ” exterior some comfrey leaf tea not! Dan, the point is what is your agenda D.M., Valentao, P. &! Toothed along the edges of comfrey use against the risks Chemistry, pharmacology toxicology. Debate surrounds the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements common comfrey is best used for broken. 74 ( 2 ), 873–875 research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements PLAs ) 211-217! Them into less toxic forms avoid being burned as a tea, a herbalist in Helsinki Finland. Of Experimental Pathology, 74 ( comfrey root vs leaf ), 873–875 only do.. Kress, a herbalist in Helsinki, Finland better for antibacterial activity back of. Show mixed results quite a lot of compost on our farm and comfrey us. Shows that some comfrey leaf has been widely cultivated are both carcinogens and toxins. A root stick with branches coming from the root, leaves, grass clippings and other organic materials woman overdosed! Benefits on rashes and irritations in Helsinki, Finland, stems and flowers suggests herb. Gets to about 2–3 feet tall medicine one way or another i answered the original posters question - you scaremongering. Can have some benefits on rashes and irritations my garden for short periods of time to decrease comfrey root vs leaf.