Symphytum
Comfrey
Symphytum, commonly known as comfrey, is a perennial herb renowned for its potent medicinal properties. Historically used to promote healing, it contains allantoin, which accelerates tissue regeneration. While widely valued in traditional topical remedies for soothing bruises and sprains, its high alkaloid content necessitates cautious and responsible application.
- Scientific name: Symphytum
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Symphytum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Boraginales | WCVP |
| Family | Boraginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Symphytum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Symphytum, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Poland, it is called Żywokost, while in Russia, it is commonly referred to as окопник. In the West Frisian language, the name used is Skuorwoartel, and in German, it is known as Beinwell. Additionally, in Ossetian, the plant is called Цъахгæр.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Żywokost | Wikidata |
| ru | окопник | Wikidata |
| fy | Skuorwoartel | Wikidata |
| de | Beinwell | Wikidata |
| os | Цъахгæр | Wikidata |
| io | Konsoldo | Wikidata |
| ka | ლაშქარა | Wikidata |
| az | Xəndəkotu | Wikidata |
| lt | taukė | Wikidata |
| hsb | Kosćadło | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark. Its distribution also extends to the territories of Finland and Norway. Furthermore, the species is documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. These locations represent the primary northern reaches of its natural habitat.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as comfrey, is a perennial herb characterized by its large, hairy, and lance-shaped leaves that grow in a basal rosette. As a robust herb, it features a thick, fleshy rhizome that stores essential nutrients and is often the most potent part of the plant used in traditional medicine. The stem is sturdy and covered in fine hairs, supporting a cluster of bell-shaped flowers that typically bloom in shades of purple or cream, while the entire herb is valued for its ability to thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Symphytum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include allantoin, glycopeptides.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| allantoin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glycopeptides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Symphytum has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include contusions, gastritis, gout, hematomas, joint pain.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| contusions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gout | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hematomas | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| joint pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sprains | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| thrombophlebitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |