December 2006: Comfrey Cream for Arthritis
The herb comfrey contains potentially dangerous levels of toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. For this reason, comfrey has been taken off the market as an oral supplement. However, topical creams containing comfrey extracts may be safe when used properly, and these remain available. Over the last three years, a series of double-blind studies have found evidence that topical comfrey is helpful for various conditions involving pain in the joints or muscles.
The most recent study enrolled 220 people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Over the three-week study period, participants applied either a placebo cream or a comfrey extract cream to the painful area three times daily. The results showed an improvement in mobility and pain in the comfrey cream group as compared to the placebo group.
Previous studies found benefits with comfrey cream for treatment of back pain and ankle sprain.
NOTE: Even with topical forms of comfrey, some concerns remain. See the full comfrey article for more information.
References:
Grube B, Grunwald J, Krug L, et al. Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: Results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2006 Dec 12 [Epub ahead of print].
Kucera M, Barna M, Horacek O, et al. Efficacy and safety of topically applied symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized, controlled clinical double-blind study. Wien MedWochenschr. 2005;154:498–507.
Kucera M, Barna M, Horacek O, et al. Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized, controlled double-blind clinical study. Adv Ther . 2005;22:681-92.
Koll R, Buhr M, Dieter R, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytomedicine . 2004;11:470–7.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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