Introduction
Comfrey is a plant that grows in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It has been used to ease pain and swelling in muscles and joints. It can be used as a gel, extract, or ointment. It can also be taken as a pill or powder.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for comfrey.
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Ankle sprain—may ease pain A1-A4
- Back pain —may ease pain of the upper and lower back B1-B4
- Knee osteoarthritis —may ease pain and improve quality of lifeC1-C3
- Wound healing —may speed healing E1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It may be safe to use comfrey for a short time on unbroken skin. It may not be safe to take comfrey orally. Comfrey contains toxic chemicals. Products that contain it have been removed from the market in the United States. D1
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Ankle Sprain
REFA1 Koll R, Buhr M, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytomedicine. 2004 Sep;11(6):470-477.
REFA2 Predel HG, Giannetti B, et al. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Phytomedicine. 2005 Nov;12(10):707-714.
REFA3 Bleakley CM, McDonough SM, et al. Some conservative strategies are effective when added to controlled mobilisation with external support after acute ankle sprain: a systematic review. Aust J Physiother. 2008;54(1):7-20.
REFA4 D'Anchise R, Bulitta M, et al. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions). Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(11):712-716.
REFB Back Pain
REFB1 Kucera M, Barna M, et al. Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study. Adv Ther. 2005 Nov-Dec;22(6):681-692.
REFB2 Giannetti BM, Staiger C, et al. 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. Br J Sports Med. 2010 Jul;44(9):637-641.
REFB3 Pabst H, Schaefer A, et al. Combination of comfrey root extract plus methyl nicotinate in patients with conditions of acute upper or low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2013;27(6):811-817.
REFB4 Oltean H, Robbins C, et al. Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;23(12):CD004504.
REFC Knee Osteoarthritis
REFC1 Grube B, Grünwald J, et al. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2007 Jan;14(1):2-10.
REFC2 Laslett LL, Quinn SJ, et al. Treatment with 4Jointz reduces knee pain over 12 weeks of treatment in patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2012 Nov;20(11):1209-1216.
REFC3 Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;31(5):CD010538.
REFD Safety
REFD1 Bedi O, Bijjem KRV, et al. Herbal Induced Hepatoprotection and Hepatotoxicity: A Critical Review. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2016 Jna-Mar;60(1):6-21.
REFE Wound Healing
REFE1 Barna M, Kucera A, et al. Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum×uplandicum Nyman) in children. Arzneimittelforschung. 2012 Jun;62(6):285-289.