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Total 120 patients with acute upper or lower back pain used either a verum cream containing comfrey root fluid extract (1:2, 35.0 g, extraction solvent ethanol 60 % (v/v), less than 0.35 ppm of pyrrolizidine alkaloids) or a corresponding placebo.
Symphytum officinale plant trial#
Comfrey root as a herbal ingredient can contribute in the same way, as it is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.Ī double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre, randomised clinical trial with parallel group design was conducted over a period of 5 days. This approach has been intensively used and has proved to be efficacious in the management of symptoms, thus reducing pain, facilitating rehabilitation and achieving earlier recovery. The treatment strategy has recently also adopted a direct anti-inflammatory topical approach, mostly with chemical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Symphytum officinale plant skin#
ESCOP states that comfrey root has also been used for tendinitis syndrome, knee joint injuries, non-active gonarthrosis, insect bites, mastitis, fractures and skin inflammation, although published scientific evidence does not yet adequately support these indications.īack pain, especially of the upper and lower back, is a widespread condition impairing quality of life and functional movement in a large number of individuals. The monograph mentions strains, contusions and distortions, osteoarthritis (OA), epicondylitis, tendovaginitis and periarthritis as therapeutic indications substantiated by clinical trials. positively for the external use in bruises, strains and sprains and acknowledged its actions as anti-inflammatory, antimitotic and promotion of callus formation.įurther, a European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy Monograph (ESCOP) is available for comfrey root. The German Commission E has assessed Symphyti radix (comfrey root) deriving from Symphytum officinale L. Allantoin and rosmarinic acid are probably of central importance for its pharmacodynamic effects. The key activity-determining constituents of comfrey root extracts and its molecular mechanisms of action have not been completely elucidated. A recent text book chapter gives detailed information on botanical aspects and harvesting of the plant. Native Americans recognised the healing powers and included comfrey root in their therapeutic armamentarium. It also naturalised in Northern America, where it rapidly spread. Native in Europe, the plant has an impressive record of medicinal use.
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Comfrey root has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of painful muscle and joint complaints for centuries.
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