Ingredient
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Comfrey Callus Culture Extract
- Comfrey Stem Cell Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract comes from comfrey plant stem cells and is used in skincare for antioxidant and regenerative properties. Comfrey has traditionally been used topically for wound healing, but the plant naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic compounds. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known hepatotoxins that can cross the placental barrier. According to multiple toxicology studies, PAs can cause fetal liver damage and developmental issues in animal models. While callus culture extracts typically undergo processing to reduce PA content, the degree of removal varies by manufacturer and is rarely disclosed on product labels. Without verification of PA-free status, dermatologists generally recommend caution. The FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have documented concerns about comfrey-derived compounds during pregnancy, primarily based on oral exposure data. Most obstetricians advise pregnant women to avoid comfrey products unless the manufacturer can verify the extract is completely free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Given the uncertainty around PA content in cosmetic formulations, many women choose to avoid comfrey extracts during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is a comfrey-derived ingredient used for its skin-regenerating properties. The concern for breastfeeding mothers centers on pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), toxic compounds naturally present in comfrey that can cause liver damage. PAs are lipophilic (fat-loving) compounds that can be absorbed through skin and potentially transfer into breast milk. According to toxicology research, PAs are known to cause hepatotoxicity, and infants are particularly vulnerable due to their immature liver enzyme systems. While topical absorption is generally lower than oral exposure, the amount of PAs in cosmetic comfrey extracts is often unspecified. The AAD notes that without verification of PA-free processing, there's theoretical risk of infant exposure through breast milk. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists recommend avoiding comfrey-containing products during breastfeeding unless the manufacturer provides documentation that the extract is free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Given the potential for infant liver toxicity and lack of safety data on cosmetic comfrey use during lactation, many healthcare providers suggest postponing use until after weaning.
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is derived from comfrey stem cells and offers antioxidant and skin-regenerating benefits. For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, the primary concern is eliminated since there's no risk of infant exposure through breast milk. The extract may be beneficial for addressing postpartum skin concerns such as stretch marks, skin texture changes, and loss of elasticity. The main consideration is potential skin sensitivity, as comfrey can occasionally cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Patch testing is recommended before widespread use, especially on compromised skin areas. Most dermatologists consider topical comfrey extracts acceptable for non-breastfeeding adults when processed to minimize pyrrolizidine alkaloid content.
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Builds up in tissue
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is a comfrey-derived ingredient that contains potential traces of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds with known liver toxicity. For women trying to conceive, the concern is that PAs could accumulate in the body with repeated use. While there's no direct evidence that topical comfrey affects fertility, pyrrolizidine alkaloids are known to cross the placental barrier once pregnancy occurs. Many reproductive health specialists recommend women discontinue comfrey products before attempting conception to avoid any potential accumulation. Since the PA content in cosmetic formulations is rarely disclosed, the precautionary approach is to switch to alternatives during the preconception period.
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from comfrey plant stem cells, used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It does not have hormone-disrupting activity or effects on androgen levels. For women with PCOS, this ingredient poses no specific hormonal concerns. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may actually be beneficial for managing inflammatory acne, which is common in PCOS. There's no evidence that comfrey callus extract affects insulin sensitivity, androgen production, or other PCOS-related metabolic pathways. Dermatologists consider comfrey callus extract safe for topical use in PCOS management, particularly when used in products targeting acne or inflammation. The primary consideration remains individual skin sensitivity rather than any PCOS-specific contraindication. Women with PCOS can use products containing this ingredient without concern for hormonal interference.
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract is derived from comfrey plant stem cells and is valued in cosmetics for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating properties. Callus culture technology allows for standardized production of plant compounds with reduced variability compared to whole plant extracts. The primary concern with comfrey-derived ingredients is the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic compounds found naturally in comfrey. However, cosmetic-grade callus culture extracts typically undergo processing to minimize or eliminate PA content. For topical use in the general population, the risk is considered low because skin absorption of PAs is limited compared to oral exposure. Occasional contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals. The EU Cosmetics Regulation permits comfrey in topical products with restrictions on PA content, while the FDA has focused regulatory action on oral comfrey products due to liver toxicity risks. Most dermatologists consider cosmetic comfrey extracts safe for general topical use, though individuals with known plant allergies should perform patch testing. The ingredient is generally well-tolerated when used in leave-on and rinse-off products.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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