Symphytum uplandicum (Symphytum x uplandicum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does comfrey work for muscle and joint pain?

Comfrey contains allantoin, which promotes cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, and rosmarinic acid, which provides anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds work synergistically to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of damaged tissues when applied topically. The mucilage content also provides a soothing effect on irritated skin. Evidence Level: C.

Is comfrey safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Comfrey is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in Symphytum uplandicum can cross the placenta and pass into breast milk, potentially causing liver damage or developmental harm to the fetus or infant. Both internal and topical use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for comfrey cream?

Apply comfrey cream or ointment topically to the affected area 2-3 times daily. Use only on intact, unbroken skin and never apply to open wounds. Treatment duration should typically not exceed 4-6 weeks of continuous use due to potential pyrrolizidine alkaloid accumulation. Always wash hands after application. Evidence Level: C.

Does comfrey interact with any medications?

When used topically as directed, comfrey has minimal systemic absorption and few documented drug interactions. However, internal use is contraindicated due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage and may interact with hepatotoxic medications. Avoid combining with drugs metabolized by the liver or those with known hepatotoxic effects. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Why should comfrey not be taken internally?

Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause serious liver damage, including veno-occlusive disease, when ingested. Symphytum uplandicum has particularly high concentrations of these compounds compared to other comfrey species. Internal use has been restricted or banned in many countries. Topical use on intact skin is considered safer due to reduced systemic absorption. Evidence Level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 8 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Symphytum x uplandicum is a medicinal herb used topically to accelerate wound healing and reduce pain and swelling in ankle distortions [PMID:18157595, PMID:15638067].

Contexte

Symphytum x uplandicum (also known as Russian comfrey) is a plant used in Swedish traditional medicine and as a green vegetable or tonic [PMID:8583796, PMID:278864].

Usages traditionnels

Used in Swedish traditional medicine to treat wounds and inflammatory diseases [PMID:8583796].

Composés actifs

The leaves contain eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids of hepatotoxic type [PMID:7379906].

Mécanisme d'action

In vitro studies indicate that water extracts of S. x uplandicum exhibit high inhibitory activity on platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced exocytosis [PMID:8583796]. Topical application leads to quicker regeneration of skin cells and earlier differentiation of cells toward normal fine structure, including keratin and corneocyte formation [PMID:32683369].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BFresh abrasions

A 10% active ingredient cream significantly reduced wound size faster (49 ± 19% per day) compared to a 1% cream (29 ± 13% per day), with complete healing occurring 2.97 days faster [PMID:18157595].

Preuve BAcute ankle distortion

Topical application of a 10% active ingredient cream resulted in highly significant and clinically relevant decreases in pain on active motion, pain at rest, and functional impairment, as well as significant amelioration of swellings [PMID:15638067].

Synthèse des preuves

Clinical evidence for topical use in wound healing and ankle distortions is supported by randomized controlled trials (Level B). Safety data regarding systemic toxicity (hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity) are based on animal models (Level D), while topical safety is supported by skin permeation studies (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 8583796 (1995) — Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 32683369 (2020) — Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy. · Skin pharmacology and physiology
3.PMID: 18157595 (2007) — [Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study]. · Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
4.PMID: 7379906 (1980) — Structure and toxicity of the alkaloids of Russian comfrey (symphytum x uplandicum Nyman), a medicinal herb and item of human diet. · Experientia
5.PMID: 2062566 (1991) — The effects of comfrey derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids on rat liver.

Symphytum uplandicum

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Symphytum uplandicum

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Lavandula latifolia

Kunzea Ambigua

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Symphytum uplandicum

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Symphytum uplandicum

Plantes associées

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Lavandula latifolia

Kunzea Ambigua

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales