symphytum officinale

*Symphytum officinale*, commonly known as common comfrey, is a perennial medicinal herb in the Boraginaceae family with a long history of use in traditional and homeopathic medicine. Its therapeutic profile is defined by two primary classes of constituents: healing agents and toxic alkaloids. The roots and leaves contain high concentrations of **allantoin**, which promotes cell proliferation and tissue regeneration (granulation), and **rosmarinic acid**, which provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Clinically, comfrey is utilized in topical pharmaceutical preparations for treating musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, blunt trauma, joint pain, and skin wounds. However, the plant also synthesizes **pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)**, such as echimidine, which are pro-toxins bioactivated by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes into reactive pyrrolic intermediates. These intermediates form DNA and protein adducts, leading to significant hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. Consequently, the use of *Symphytum officinale* is largely restricted to topical applications on intact skin, with internal use generally prohibited or strictly regulated.

Brand names

Kytta-SalbeTraumeel

Other names

common comfreycomfreyknitbonebonesetknitted backSymphytum officinale L.