Symphytum officinale L.

Symphytum officinale, the true or common comfrey, is a deciduous herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Comfrey (Symphytum) in the Boraginaceae family. The plant is widespread across Europe and Asia from Spain to China. It reaches heights of 30-60cm and sprouts a strong rootstock up to 50cm 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 assigned.

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

Commission E-monograph: External for bruises, strains and sprains.

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