Comfrey root preparations are offered primarily in the form of ointments, pastes, creams and rubs in the group of anti-inflammatory agents and anti-rheumatics. Comfrey is also frequently included in ointments for the treatment of bruises, sprains and strains.
Effect of comfrey
Since the mucilage contained is a good heat accumulator, the pastes are well suited for making poultices and compresses. There are no tea preparations in the trade.
Comfrey: side effects and interactions
In animal experiments, pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been shown to have liver-damaging (hepatotoxic), mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. In the liver, the substances are transformed into highly reactive forms.
Based on these facts, comfrey root is considered potentially toxic to humans, and the applicable dose and duration of use have been regulated. However, no specific side effects have been observed in humans to date.
Interactions with other agents are not currently known.
