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Herb

Comfrey

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Comfrey. Symphytum officinale topical for sprains and back pain.

How it works. Allantoin and rosmarinic acid for tissue repair.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces back pain (topical) (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Topical 35% extract.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Comfrey. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Comfrey. Symphytum officinale topical for sprains and back pain.

Key compound: allantoinC4H6N4O3 · 158.12 g/mol

What it is

Symphytum officinale topical for sprains and back pain.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

How it works

Allantoin and rosmarinic acid for tissue repair.

Pathways

  • Allantoin
  • rosmarinic acid for tissue repair

Effects

  • ↓back pain (topical) decreases

What the research supports

Reduces back pain (topical)moderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Topical 35% extract
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Skin irritation
  • Hepatotoxic if oral

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Comfrey use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Comfrey — Reduces back pain ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Comfrey and "Reduces back pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Comfrey — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Comfrey and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Comfrey — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Comfrey and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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