Symphytum officinale
Key actions
Analgesic (pain relief)Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oedematous (reduces swelling)Vulnerary (wound healing)
Traditional & clinical uses, by strength of evidence
- BruisingGood
- Pain (general)Good
- Arthritis / joint painModerate
- Back painModerate
- HeadacheModerate
- Inflammation (general)Moderate
- Skin irritationModerate
- Swelling / fluid retentionModerate
- Varicose veinsModerate
- WoundsModerate
Selected studies & references
PreclinicalSkin microbiota metabolism of natural products from comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L.) (2023)
PreclinicalGloboidnan A, rabdosiin and globoidnan B as new phenolic markers in European-sourced comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root samples (2021)
PreclinicalComparative Assessment of Phytochemical Profiles of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Root Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Techniques (2020)
PreclinicalSafety of medicinal comfrey cream preparations (Symphytum officinale s.l.): The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through human skin (2020)
All 13 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions — always check before use.