Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a herbaceous plant that flowers from May to October. It predominantly grows in humid areas and, in addition to its medicinal uses, is often used in plant cultivation. Due to its ability to utilize nitrogen, comfrey can be used as a fertilizer and regulate the pH value of the soil.
Comfrey extract - for your patients' skin regeneration
04 September 2023 — by Linn Masch
Minor injuries, wounds or movement-reducing factors such as muscle or joint complaints often reach you in the practice. Comfrey extract has versatile anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and tissue-regenerating properties. This can speed up the recovery of your animal patients.
Ingredients:
- Allantoin
- Choline
- Silicon
- Flavonoids
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- Tannins
- Mucilages
- Essential oils
The active ingredients are mainly found in the comfrey root. Allantoin is its main component, known for stimulating cell regeneration. The other ingredients have health promoting qualities, too: choline stimulates blood circulation, which can lead to a faster breakdown of tissue fluids. Silicon strengthens the elasticity of connective tissue and tendons. Flavonoids protect against free radicals, the reactive oxygen compounds that can be involved in various diseases. However, as comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is not suitable for oral consumption. The degradation products of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic and can lead to fatal liver dysfunction. The most important liver damage caused by comfrey is veno-occlusive disease. It leads to cirrhosis and can eventually cause liver failure.
Effect
The beneficial effect of comfrey is mainly determined by allantoin. Allantoin can remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell growth in the deeper layers of the skin. As a result, it accelerates skin cell regeneration while having a moisturizing effect. The tannins in comfrey have an overall antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Tannins also have an astringent effect on the skin and the vascular system. This reduces the penetration of pathogens and the formation of hematomas. Tannins can also have an effect on varicose veins and alleviate them. Silicon is a naturally occurring substance in animal and human connective tissue. It has an anti-inflammatory effect by binding secretions and stimulating the formation of antibodies. Silicon also stimulates bone formation by increasing the availability of calcium. The use of silicon can keep the connective tissue elastic and strengthen bones and joints. Comfrey also contains mucilage, which has a cooling and soothing effect. In combination with water, mucilage forms a viscous consistency that forms a soothing protective film around the affected skin area. Mucilage also has a detoxifying effect, meaning that it has the capacity of removing toxins.
Application
Comfrey extracts are used for external treatment as an additive in ointments. Due to its diverse health-promoting effects, comfrey is used for blunt injuries, bruises, muscle and joint complaints – but it can also alleviate tendon disorders such as tendonitis or bursitis. When used for rheumatic diseases and wound treatments, comfrey helps to alleviate inflammatory processes. Upon the isolation of alkaloids with the help of special comfrey procedures, comfrey's possible toxicity can be prevented, allowing it to be used to treat open wounds.
