PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 7 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Symphytum asperum is a medicinal plant containing biologically active polymers with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:18007379, PMID:36830198].
Background
Symphytum asperum (Prickly Comfrey) is a member of the Boraginaceae family [PMID:18007379, PMID:36830198].
Traditional uses
In Georgian folk medicine, comfrey is used to accelerate regeneration processes; it is also used to treat bone fractures, tendon injuries, gastrointestinal ulcer lesions, and joint inflammation, and to promote wound healing and lung exudate resorption [PMID:23787512].
Active compounds
The main active ingredient is poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDPGA), also described as poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene], a high-molecular water-soluble hydroxycinnamate-derived polymer [PMID:18007379, PMID:11513693, PMID:23787512, PMID:12197395].
Mechanism of action
The polymer from S. asperum inhibits NADPH oxidase, which decreases superoxide anion generation and inhibits the degranulation of azurophil granules in primed leukocytes [PMID:11513693]. It also demonstrates anticomplementary activity and the ability to modulate apoptosis and cell cycle progression in B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) cells in vitro [PMID:18007379].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DInflammation/Oxidative Stress
High-molecular preparations from roots exhibit antioxidant, antilipoperoxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:18007379, PMID:11513693].
Evidence DB-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL)
Symphytum high-molecular preparations can modulate apoptosis and cell cycle progression in vitro [PMID:18007379].
Evidence DMicrobial Infections
Biopolymers from S. asperum showed moderate antibacterial activity and better antifungal activity [PMID:36830198].
Safety & adverse effects
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic [PMID:23787512].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is based on in vitro studies, chemical analyses, and traditional use reports; there are no clinical trials or systematic reviews provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 8363246 (1993) — Immunopharmacologic study of glucofructan from Symphytum asperum roots. · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
- 2.PMID: 18007379 (2005) — Poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid], a new biologically active polymer from Symphytum asperum Lepech. and S. caucasicum Bieb. (Boraginaceae). · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 36830198 (2023) — Antimicrobial Activity of Catechol-Containing Biopolymer Poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric Acid] from Different Medicinal Plants of Boraginaceae Family. · Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 20143412 (2010) — Enantioselective synthesis and antioxidant activity of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-glyceric acid--basic monomeric moiety of a biologically active polyether from Symphytum asperum and S. caucasicum. · Chirality
- 5.PMID: 11513693