Plant Comparison

Peppermint vs Common Comfrey

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant APeppermintMentha × piperitaLamiaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BCommon ComfreySymphytum officinaleBoraginaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Peppermint and Common Comfrey: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, headache, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.

PeppermintCommon Comfrey
Constituents34
Pharmacological actions114
Indicated uses1410
Safety notes22
Cited sources3617
Indicated uses
Only Peppermint
BloatingIndigestionInfection (general)Menstrual crampsMuscle spasmRespiratory supportCognitive function
Shared (7)
Arthritis / joint painBack painHeadacheInflammation (general)Pain (general)Skin irritationWounds
Only Common Comfrey
BruisingSwelling / fluid retentionVaricose veins
Pharmacological actions
Only Peppermint
AntimicrobialAntioxidantAntispasmodicDigestive aidAnticancer (preclinical)AntiviralAntifungalNeuroprotective / cognition supportGastroprotective
Shared (2)
Analgesic (pain relief)Anti-inflammatory
Only Common Comfrey
Anti-oedematous (reduces swelling)Vulnerary (wound healing)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionPeppermintCommon ComfreyVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain5/105/10Comparable evidence
Back pain5/105/10Comparable evidence
Headache8/105/10Stronger for Peppermint
Inflammation (general)5/105/10Comparable evidence
Pain (general)5/108/10Stronger for Common Comfrey
Skin irritation5/105/10Comparable evidence
Wounds5/105/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Essential oil (menthol, menthone)[3]

Menthol is the dominant constituent of the leaf oil, responsible for the cooling sensation and much of the antispasmodic and analgesic activity.

Essential (volatile) oilMentholTerpenes / terpenoids
Rosmarinic acid and flavonoids (eriocitrin, luteolin)[9]

Phenolic antioxidants of the leaf.

Rosmarinic acidFlavonoidsLuteolin
Tannins[2]

Contribute mild astringency.

Tannins
Allantoin[1]

The key cell-proliferative constituent underlying comfrey's wound-healing reputation.

Allantoin
Mucilage polysaccharides[2]

Contribute to the soothing, demulcent texture of the leaf and root.

MucilagePolysaccharides
Rosmarinic acid and other phenolics[1]

Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic compounds
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids[1]

Hepatotoxic constituents naturally present in the whole plant; the reason internal use is not recommended and processed/detoxified extracts are used for research.

Alkaloids

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)[2, 5, 33, 34, 35]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 11, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 2, 3, 8, 15, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 18, 20, 26, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35]
Antispasmodic[1, 4, 33, 34, 35]

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid[1, 2, 4, 33, 34, 35]
Anticancer (preclinical)[11]
Antiviral[13, 14]
Antifungal[16, 27]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25]
Gastroprotective[29]
Analgesic (pain relief)[7, 8, 11, 12, 13]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13]
Anti-oedematous (reduces swelling)[11, 12, 13]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[9, 11, 12, 13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Back pain
Bloating[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Bloating
Headache[5, 33, 34, 35]Good · 8/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 8
Label: Headache
Indigestion[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[13, 33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Menstrual cramps[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Menstrual cramps
Muscle spasm[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Muscle spasm
Pain (general)[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Pain (general)
Respiratory support[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[33, 34, 35]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5
Label: Wounds
Cognitive function[21, 23, 24]Traditional · 2/10

Peppermint/Mentha showed acetylcholinesterase inhibition (cognition-relevant, preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function
Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Back pain
Bruising[7, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 8
Label: Bruising
Headache[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Headache
Inflammation (general)[3, 11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Pain (general)[7, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10
Evidence: 8
Label: Pain (general)
Skin irritation[2, 11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Varicose veins[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-oedematous action

Evidence: 5
Label: Varicose veins
Wounds[2, 9, 11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 5
Label: Wounds

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[33, 34, 35]Caution

Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be applied to the face or chest of infants or children — menthol can cause respiratory depression. Avoid enteric-coated capsules if taking antacids or acid-suppressing drugs. May worsen GERD by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter. Avoid in bile duct obstruction and gallstones.

Safety note[33, 34, 35, 36]Caution

Duke (2002) rates peppermint as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for antispasmodic activity, consistent with Commission E approval for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) using enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. Enteric-coated peppermint oil is one of the most clinically validated herbal treatments for IBS, reducing abdominal pain and spasm. Dose: 0.6 ml enteric-coated oil two to three times daily between meals (for IBS); 1.5–3 g dried leaf as tea three times daily for digestive complaints. Peppermint should not be applied near the face or nostrils of infants and small children (risk of laryngospasm from menthol). Contraindicated in cholelithiasis (gallstones) (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Caution

Big headline: Comfrey naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can seriously harm the liver if taken internally (Staiger, 2012; EMA, 2015). • Do not ingest comfrey (no teas, no internal tinctures, no capsules), because PA exposure from internal use is the main safety problem (Staiger, 2012; Bach et al., 1990). • Topical use only, short-term: EU herbal guidance describes comfrey root preparations for minor bruises and sprains in adults, and recommends limited duration (commonly up to about 10 days) (EMA, 2015; EMA/HMPC, 2024). • Do not apply to broken skin (open wounds, damaged/irritated skin) and avoid eyes/mucous membranes (EMA/HMPC, 2024). • Pregnancy & breastfeeding: best avoided (not enough safety margin for medicinal use) (EMA/HMPC, 2024). • Children/adolescents: not recommended for medicinal topical use in EU monograph context (EMA/HMPC, 2024). • If you have liver disease or take medicines that stress the liver, skip comfrey completely (risk management logic based on PA concern) (Staiger, 2012; EMA, 2015). • Skin reactions: mild rash/irritation can occur; stop if it irritates (Smith and Jacobson, 2011).

Safety note[11, 12, 13, 14]Serious

Duke (2002) classifies common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, supported by allantoin content (promotes cell proliferation). However, comfrey also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Internal use is no longer recommended, and Commission E approved only external use. Duke emphasizes that pyrrolizidine alkaloids are cumulative hepatotoxins associated with veno-occlusive disease, and prolonged or internal use is contraindicated (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 8707933
Gbif: 7558421
Wikidata: Q157561

Botanical Description

Perennial herb, 30-90 cm tall, a sterile natural hybrid (Mentha aquatica x M. spicata) that spreads by rhizomes and surface stolons rather than viable seed. Stems are square, often purple-tinged. Leaves are opposite, lance-shaped to ovate with a sharply toothed margin, and release a strong menthol scent when crushed. Small, pale purple flowers are borne in dense, interrupted terminal spikes.[2]

Height: 30-90 cm
Habit: Rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial herb, sterile hybrid
Leaves: Opposite, lance-shaped to ovate, sharply toothed, strongly menthol-scented
Flowers: Small, pale purple, in dense interrupted terminal spikes
Stem: Square, often purple-tinged
Root: Spreading rhizomes and surface stolons
Fruit: Rarely sets seed (sterile hybrid); propagated vegetatively
Flowering Period: July-September

Robust, hairy perennial herb (Boraginaceae), 60-120 cm tall, with a thick, black-skinned, mucilaginous taproot. Leaves are large, broad, lance-shaped and bristly-hairy, running down the stem as raised wings (decurrent) - the leaf base's smooth, untoothed margin is a key feature distinguishing it from toxic foxglove. Drooping clusters of tubular, bell-shaped flowers are cream, pink or purple depending on variety.[11]

Height: 60-120 cm
Habit: Robust, hairy perennial herb
Leaves: Large, broad, lance-shaped, bristly-hairy, decurrent (winging the stem), untoothed margin
Flowers: Tubular, bell-shaped, cream, pink or purple, in drooping clusters
Stem: Winged by decurrent leaf bases, hairy
Root: Thick, black-skinned, mucilaginous taproot
Fruit: Small nutlets (typical Boraginaceae)
Flowering Period: May-June, into summer

Habitat

A cultivated hybrid grown worldwide as a crop and garden herb, propagated vegetatively since it rarely sets viable seed; naturalised in damp ground - streambanks, ditches and waste places - in temperate regions.[2]

Native to Europe and western Asia, growing in damp ground - riverbanks, ditches, damp meadows and waste ground - and widely cultivated.[11]

Harvesting

Aerial parts are cut at or just before full flowering (mid- to late summer), when the essential-oil (menthol) content peaks, then dried quickly out of direct sun, or distilled fresh for essential oil.[3]

Parts: Leaf, Flowering tops
Season: Mid- to late summer, at or just before flowering

Leaves are cut during the growing season (before flowering is often preferred for lower pyrrolizidine-alkaloid content); root is dug in autumn or spring from mature plants.[11]

Parts: Leaf, Root
Season: Leaf during the growing season (ideally before flowering); root autumn or spring

Traditional Uses

Peppermint has one of the best-documented traditional uses of any herb - as a carminative and antispasmodic for indigestion, bloating and colic. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are among the most clinically validated herbal treatments for irritable bowel syndrome, and topical or inhaled peppermint oil is traditionally and clinically used for tension-type headache and muscular aches.[1, 2, 4, 5]

Comfrey has one of the strongest traditional reputations of any European herb for wound healing and bone/tissue repair - the folk names 'knitbone' and 'boneset' reflect this - owing to its high allantoin content, which stimulates cell proliferation. Because the plant also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, modern regulatory use is restricted to topical preparations only, for minor bruises and sprains, and internal use (teas, tinctures) is no longer recommended.[11]

Preparations

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried leaf steeped in hot water, the classic digestive tea.

Enteric-coated oil capsules[4, 33, 34, 35]

Standardised peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules, the clinically studied form for irritable bowel syndrome, releasing the oil in the intestine rather than the stomach.

Essential oil (topical)[5]

Diluted essential oil applied to the temples and neck for tension-type headache.

Topical cream/ointment (root extract)[11]

The officially recognised European herbal-monograph preparation, for minor bruises and sprains, short-term use only.

Dosage

Enteric-coated oil capsules[33, 34, 35]

Duke (2002) and Commission E guidance: about 0.6 mL enteric-coated oil two to three times daily between meals for IBS-type digestive complaints. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Dried leaf infusion[33, 34, 35]

Traditional guidance: about 1.5-3 g dried leaf as a tea, up to three times daily for digestive complaints. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Topical root preparation[11, 12, 13]

EU herbal-monograph guidance describes comfrey root preparations applied topically for minor bruises and sprains in adults, for a limited duration (commonly up to about 10 days); do not apply to broken skin or near eyes/mucous membranes. Comfrey must never be taken internally (no teas, tinctures or capsules) because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1203, REF-1204, REF-1205, REF-1206, REF-1207, REF-1208, REF-1209, REF-1210, REF-1211, REF-1212, REF-3037, REF-3038, REF-3039, REF-3040, REF-3041, REF-3042, REF-3043, REF-3044, REF-3045, REF-3046, REF-3047, REF-3048, REF-3049, REF-3050, REF-3051, REF-3052, REF-3053, REF-3054, REF-3055, REF-3056, REF-3057, REF-3058
REF-1064, REF-1065, REF-1066, REF-1067, REF-1068, REF-1069, REF-1070, REF-1071, REF-1072, REF-1073

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Dangerous Lookalikes

Not documented

Safety note[15, 16, 17]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: digitalis-purpurea
Confused Part: Young non-flowering basal-rosette leaves gathered in spring for tea or infusion, before either plant flowers.
Confusion Context: Comfrey and foxglove both form a ground rosette of large, soft-hairy, grey-green oval leaves, and comfrey leaf is exactly the part harvested for herbal tea. Foxglove leaves contain cardiac glycosides and are potentially fatal; documented poisonings include a woman who developed heart block after an infusion of 'boiled comfrey leaves' that was actually foxglove, and an outbreak of nine people poisoned by 'comfrey' tea that was foxglove. The plants are hardest to tell apart before flowering.
Distinguishing Features: Leaf margin (most decisive): comfrey leaves are entire — a smooth, unbroken edge. Foxglove leaves are finely toothed or scalloped along the whole margin., Comfrey leaf bases run down the stem as raised wings (decurrent), so the stem looks winged; foxglove leaves narrow to a stalk and do not wing the stem., Comfrey hairs are stiff, coarse and bristly (rough to the touch); foxglove leaves are softly downy and velvety, with a grey-felted, net-veined underside. Do not rely on hairiness alone — both feel hairy.
Key Test: Look closely at the leaf edge: a smooth, untoothed margin plus a leaf base that runs down the stem as a wing = comfrey. A continuous line of small teeth or scallops along the edge = foxglove — do not use it. If the margin is not clearly untoothed, do not forage.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

References & Sources

  1. McKay, D.L. and Blumberg, J.B (2006) 'A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.)', Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), pp. 619-633. doi:10.1002/ptr.1936 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936
  2. Mahendran, G. and Rahman, L.U (2020) 'Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.)-A review', Phytotherapy Research, 34(9), pp. 2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6664
  3. Zhao, H., Ren, S., Yang, H., Tang, S. and others (2022) 'Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 154, pp. 113559. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113559 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113559
  4. Keifer, D., Ulbricht, C., Abrams, T.R., Basch, E. and others (2007) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 7(2), pp. 91-143. doi:10.1300/j157v07n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1300/j157v07n02_07
  5. Gobel, H., Heinze, A., Heinze-Kuhn, K., Gobel, A. and Gobel, C (2016) 'Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache', Schmerz, 30(3), pp. 295-310. doi:10.1007/s00482-016-0109-6 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s00482-016-0109-6
  6. Nair, B (2001) 'Final report on the safety assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water', International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 3), pp. 61-73. doi:10.1080/10915810152902592 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902592
  7. Kobayashi, T., Sugaya, K., Onose, J. and Abe, N (2019) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita) extract effectively inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) mRNA induction in rifampicin-treated HepG2 cells', Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 83(7), pp. 1181-1192. doi:10.1080/09168451.2019.1608802 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2019.1608802
  8. Romero, M.C., Navarro, M.C., Martin-Sanchez, J. and Valero, A (2014) 'Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and albendazole against anisakiasis in an animal model', Tropical Medicine & International Health, 19(12), pp. 1430-1436. doi:10.1111/tmi.12399 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1111/tmi.12399
  9. Riachi, L.G. and De Maria, C.A.B (2015) 'Peppermint antioxidants revisited', Food Chemistry, 176, pp. 72-81. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.12.028 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.12.028
  10. Herro, E. and Jacob, S.E (2010) 'Mentha piperita (peppermint)', Dermatitis, 21(6), pp. 327-329. doi:10.2310/6620.2011.10080 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2310/6620.2011.10080
  11. Sun, Z. and Wang, H. and Wang, J. and Zhou, L. and Yang, P (2014) 'Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China', PLoS ONE. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114767 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0114767
  12. Farco, J.A. and Grundmann, O (2012) 'Menthol - Pharmacology of an Important Naturally Medicinal “Cool”', Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. doi:10.2174/138955713804484686 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2174/138955713804484686
  13. Geuenich, S. and Goffinet, C. and Venzke, S. and Nolkemper, S. and Baumann, I. and Plinkert, P.K. and Reichling, J. and Keppler, O.T (2008) 'Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density', Retrovirology. doi:10.1186/1742-4690-5-27 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-5-27
  14. Nolkemper, S. and Reichling, J. and Stintzing, F.C. and Carle, R. and Schnitzler, P (2006) 'Antiviral Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Species of the Lamiaceae Family against Herpes simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in vitro', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-2006-951719 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-951719
  15. Mahady, G.B. and Pendland, S.L. and Stoia, A. and Hamill, F.A. and Fabricant, D.G. and Dietz, B.M. and Chadwick, L.R (2005) 'In Vitro susceptibility ofHelicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.1776 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1776
  16. Tullio, V.C. and Roana, J. and Scalas, D. and Mandras, N (2019) 'Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae) of Pancalieri (Turin, Italy) Essential Oil and Its Synergistic Interaction with Azoles', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules24173148 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24173148
  17. Neves, A. and Rosa, S. and Gonçalves, J. and Rufino, A.T. and Judas, F. and Salgueiro, L. and Lopes, M.C. and Cavaleiro, C. and Mendes, A (2009) 'Screening of Five Essential Oils for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of IL-1-induced Nf-κB Activation and NO Production in Human Chondrocytes: Characterization of the Inhibitory Activity ofα-Pinene', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1186085 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1186085
  18. Wu, Z. and Tan, B. and Liu, Y. and Dunn, J.L. and Guerola, P.M. and Tortajada, M. and Cao, Z. and Ji, P (2019) 'Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oils from Peppermint, Native Spearmint and Scotch Spearmint', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules24152825 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24152825
  19. Bojić, M. and Maleš, Ž. and Antolić, A. and Babić, I. and Tomičić, M (2019) 'Antithrombotic activity of flavonoids and polyphenols rich plant species', Acta Pharmaceutica. doi:10.2478/acph-2019-0050 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2019-0050
  20. Dorman, H.J.D. and Koşar, M. and Kahlos, K. and Holm, Y. and Hiltunen, R (2003) 'Antioxidant Properties and Composition of Aqueous Extracts from Mentha Species, Hybrids, Varieties, and Cultivars', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf034108k Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1021/jf034108k
  21. Benabdallah, A. and Boumendjel, M. and Aissi, O. and Rahmoune, C. and Boussaïd, M. and Messaoud, C (2018) 'Chemical composition, antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory of wild Mentha species from northeastern Algeria', South African Journal of Botany. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2018.03.002 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2018.03.002
  22. Ayaz, M. and Sadiq, A. and Junaid, M. and Ullah, F. and Subhan, F. and Ahmed, J (2017) 'Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants', Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168
  23. Vladimir‐Knežević, S. and Blažeković, B. and Kindl, M. and Vladić, J. and Lower-Nedza, A.D. and Brantner, A (2014) 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory, Antioxidant and Phytochemical Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Lamiaceae Family', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules19010767 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19010767
  24. López, V. and Martin, S.D. and Gómez‐Serranillos, M.P. and Carretero, M. and Jäger, A.K. and Calvo, M.I (2009) 'Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.3037 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3037
  25. Orhan, İ.E. and Kartal, M. and Kan, Y. and Şener, B (2008) 'Activity of Essential Oils and Individual Components against Acetyland Butyrylcholinesterase', Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C. doi:10.1515/znc-2008-7-813 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2008-7-813
  26. Zeljkovıć, S.Ć. and Šišková, J. and Komzáková, K. and Diego, N.D. and Kaffková, K. and Tarkowski, P (2021) 'Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activity of Selected Mentha Species', Plants. doi:10.3390/plants10030550 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030550
  27. Desam, N.R. and Al-Rajab, A.J. and Sharma, M. and Mylabathula, M.M. and Gowkanapalli, R.R. and Albratty, M (2017) 'Chemical constituents, in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of Mentha×Piperita L. (peppermint) essential oils', Journal of King Saud University - Science. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2017.07.013 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2017.07.013
  28. Husain, F.M. and Ahmad, I. and Khan, M.S. and Ahmad, E. and Tahseen, Q. and Khan, M.S. and Al‐Shabib, N.A (2015) 'Sub-MICs of Mentha piperita essential oil and menthol inhibits AHL mediated quorum sensing and biofilm of Gram-negative bacteria', Frontiers in Microbiology. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2015.00420 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.00420
  29. Khayyal, M.T. and El‐Ghazaly, M.A. and Kenawy, S.A. and Seif-El-Nasr, M. and Mahran, L. and Kafafi, Y. and Okpanyi, S (2011) 'Antiulcerogenic Effect of Some Gastrointestinally Acting Plant Extracts and their Combination', Arzneimittelforschung. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1300078 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1300078
  30. Singh, R. and Shushni, M.A.M. and Belkheir, A.K (2011) 'Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L', Arabian Journal of Chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2011.01.019 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2011.01.019
  31. Dorman, H.J.D. and Koşar, M. and Başer, K.H.C. and Hiltunen, R (2009) 'Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Evaluation of Mentha x Piperita L. (Peppermint) Extracts', Natural Product Communications. doi:10.1177/1934578x0900400419 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x0900400419
  32. İşcan, G. and Kırımer, N. and Kürkçüoğlu, M. and Başer, H.C. and Demi̇rci̇, F (2002) 'Antimicrobial Screening of Mentha piperita Essential Oils', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/jf011476k Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1021/jf011476k
  33. Akdogan, M. et al (2004) 'Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita labiatae and Mentha spicata labiatae on kidney tissue in rats', 23(7), pp. 321--327. Preclinical
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Investigation%20of%20biochemical%20and%20histopathological%20effects%20of%20Mentha%20piperita%20labiatae%20and%20Mentha%20spicata%20labiatae%20on%20kidney%20tissue%20in%20rats
  34. Grigoleit, H.G. and Grigoleit, P (2005) 'Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome', 12(8), pp. 601--606. Randomized trial
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Peppermint%20oil%20in%20irritable%20bowel%20syndrome
  35. Mas-Coma, S (2004) 'Fasciolosis in humans'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Fasciolosis%20in%20humans
  36. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  1. Syarifah, A.N., Suryadi, H., Hayun, H., Simamora, A. and others (2023) 'Detoxification of comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) extract using natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, pp. 1012716. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1012716 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1012716
  2. Melnyk, N., Popowski, D., Strawa, J.W., Przygodzinska, K. and others (2023) 'Skin microbiota metabolism of natural products from comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L.)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 318(Pt B), pp. 116968. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116968 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116968
  3. Trifan, A., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Granica, S., Czerwinska, M.E. and others (2020) 'Symphytum officinale L.: Liquid-liquid chromatography isolation of caffeic acid oligomers and evaluation of their influence on pro-inflammatory cytokine release in LPS-stimulated neutrophils', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 262, pp. 113169. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113169 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113169
  4. Brown, A.W., Stegelmeier, B.L., Colegate, S.M., Gardner, D.R. and others (2016) 'The comparative toxicity of a reduced, crude comfrey (Symphytum officinale) alkaloid extract and the pure, comfrey-derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lycopsamine and intermedine in chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus)', Journal of Applied Toxicology, 36(5), pp. 716-725. doi:10.1002/jat.3205 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.3205
  5. Trifan, A., Wolfram, E., Esslinger, N., Grubelnik, A. and others (2021) 'Globoidnan A, rabdosiin and globoidnan B as new phenolic markers in European-sourced comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root samples', Phytochemical Analysis, 32(4), pp. 482-494. doi:10.1002/pca.2996 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2996
  6. Nastic, N., Borras-Linares, I., Lozano-Sanchez, J., Svarc-Gajic, J. and others (2020) 'Comparative Assessment of Phytochemical Profiles of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Root Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Techniques', Molecules, 25(4), pp. 837. doi:10.3390/molecules25040837 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25040837
  7. Frost, R., MacPherson, H. and O'Meara, S (2013) 'A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.)', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(6), pp. 724-745. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.09.009
  8. Trifan, A., Opitz, S.E.W., Josuran, R., Grubelnik, A. and others (2018) 'Is comfrey root more than toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids? Salvianolic acids among antioxidant polyphenols in comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) roots', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 112, pp. 178-187. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.051 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.051
  9. Dey, D., Jingar, P., Agrawal, S., Shrivastava, V. and others (2019) 'Symphytum officinale augments osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro as they differentiate into osteoblasts', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 248, pp. 112329. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112329 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112329
  10. Kuchta, K. and Schmidt, M (2020) 'Safety of medicinal comfrey cream preparations (Symphytum officinale s.l.): The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine is poorly absorbed through human skin', Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 118, pp. 104784. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104784 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104784
  11. European Medicines Agency (2011) 'European Union herbal monograph on Symphytum officinale L., radix'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Symphytum%20officinale%20L.%2C%20radix
  12. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  13. Staiger, C (2012) 'Comfrey: a clinical overview', 26(10), pp. 1441--1448. doi:10.1002/ptr.4612 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4612
  14. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  15. Vithayathil, M.K. and Edwards, M (2016) 'Comfrey herbal remedy causing second-degree heart block: do not be outfoxed by digitalis', BMJ Case Reports, 2016, pp. bcr2016216995. doi:10.1136/bcr-2016-216995 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2016-216995
  16. Lin, C.C. and Yang, C.C. and Phua, D.H. and Deng, J.F. and Lu, L.H (2010) 'An outbreak of foxglove leaf poisoning', Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, 73(2), pp. 97-100. doi:10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5
  17. Woodland Trust (2024) 'Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)'. Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/ Traditional / reference
    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/

Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.