Symphytum officinale L.

Symphytum officinale, or common comfrey , is a deciduous, herbaceous plant that belongs to the comfrey genus (Symphytum) in the borage family (Boraginaceae). The plant is widespread throughout Europe and Asia, from Spain to China. It grows to a height of 30-60 cm and produces a sturdy rhizome up to 50 cm long. The leaves are stalked, lanceolate and 20-25 cm in size. Symphytum officinale is used as a medicinal plant.

Comfrey root (S. officinale); Symphyti radix

HMPC monograph: traditional use: externally for sprains and minor bruises.

HMPC noted 4 clinical studies conducted with another comfrey preparation. According to these studies, reduction of swelling and pain. However, the exact composition of the herbal preparation used was not known, therefore the status of well-established use was not granted.

ESCOP monograph: externally for pain and swelling of muscles and joints, joint arthritis, acute back pain, muscle strains, bruises and sprains, epicondylitis, tenosynovitis and periarthritis

Commission e-monograph: Externally for bruises, strains and sprains

Not for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers.

Contraindication: Allergy to comfrey, do not use on open skin areas or mucous membranes

1. Araújo LU et al. (2012) In vivo wound healing effects of Symphytum officinale L. leaves extract in different topical formulations. Pharmacy 67:355-360.
2. Barna M et al. (2012) Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum×uplandicum Nyman) in children. Drug Research 62:285-289.
3. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/beinwell.php.
4. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-symphytum-officinale-l-radix_en.pdf