Boneset
Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, is a traditional medicinal plant used in various folk practices. It has been traditionally utilized for treating wounds and skin conditions due to its purported healing properties, though specific recorded traditions are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that topical preparations of Symphytum officinale may be effective in managing acute back pain, knee osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, and myalgia, with generally good safety profiles observed across studies. However, the evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential. The plant's leaves contain polyphenols with stronger antioxidant activity than roots, which could contribute to their healing properties. Comfrey has been found to contribute significantly to nitrogen input in soil through irrigation and can lead to soil alkalization without nitrogen accumulation. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Symphytum officinale, but caution should still be exercised given the limited research.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Topical Symphytum officinale preparations show efficacy in treating acute back pain, knee osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, and myalgia with an excellent safety profile.
- Comfrey accounted for 66.0% of N input from TPW irrigation and led to soil alkalization without nitrogen accumulation.
- The study found that Symphytum officinale leaves contain polyphenols with stronger antioxidant activity than roots.
- The study observed treatment-dependent modulation of human exfoliated deciduous tooth stem cell behavior across various assays, without evident adverse effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Boneset?
Boneset (Symphytum officinale) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Boneset?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Boneset; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Topical Symphytum officinale preparations show efficacy in treating acute back pain, knee osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, and myalgia with an excellent safety profile.
How strong is the evidence for Boneset?
The strongest finding for Boneset carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Boneset safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Boneset in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Boneset interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Boneset in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Boneset?
Boneset is also known as: Окопник лекарственный, Consoude officinale.
Is Boneset a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Comparative Chromatographic Analysis of Polyphenolic Compounds in Comfrey Leaf and Root with Determination of Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Symphytum officinale L. Plays a Dominant Role in Mitigating Nitrogen Accumulation in Soil Under Long-Term Irrigation with Treated Poultry Wastewater. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnopharmacological insights into Symphytum officinale L.: traditional uses, phytochemical composition, therapeutic potential, and clinical-toxicological implications. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Impact of Homeopathic Medicines on Dental Stem Cells: An Experimental Study. literature abstract metadata