Comfrey
Herb Description:
Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is an herb that grows in temperate climates. It was long known in Europe under names such as boneset, blackwort, slippery root, and gum plant. It is in the same family as borage. Various species of comfrey are grown in different countries.
Uses and Benefits:
Comfrey is named from its ancient application in "bonemending": the Latin, confirma which means made firm; the Greek, Symphytum, which means to unite. Traditionally, its roots and leaves have been used to treat broken bones and wounds. The mucilaginous root content was formerly promoted as an expectorant and antitussive, and to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Comfrey is promoted in Ayurvedic and other herbal systems, with claims for benefit in disorders such as peptic ulcer. Comfrey also has been commonly used as a topical anti inflammatory healing agent. Although still a component in some cosmetics, comfrey is no longer readily available as an herbal remedy in the U.S. due to its toxic potential.
Pharmacology:
Although the leaves are also used, the main therapeutic components are thought to be found in the roots. These include mucilage (fructans), tannins, allantoin, rosmarinic acid, sarracine, platyphylline, triterpenes, and sterols. However, the most important constituents of the roots are the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, such as intermedine and its acetylated derivatives