Ingredient
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is liver toxicity concern and absorbed into the body.
- Comfrey Root Extract
- Comfrey Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Liver toxicity concern
- Absorbed into the body
Symphytum officinale (comfrey) root extract is a botanical ingredient traditionally used for its soothing properties. However, comfrey naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic compounds that can cause liver damage. According to the FDA and ACOG, comfrey should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids. While modern cosmetic extracts may be purified to remove PAs, pregnancy increases liver burden and even PA-free extracts are often recommended against as a precaution. The concern is that any PA content could pose risks to both maternal liver function and potentially to fetal development, as these compounds can cross the placenta. The FDA has issued warnings about comfrey products, and most obstetricians recommend avoiding comfrey-containing products during pregnancy unless they explicitly state they are PA-free and tested. Even then, many healthcare providers suggest choosing alternative soothing ingredients during pregnancy.
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Liver toxicity concern
- Passes into breast milk
Comfrey root extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that are hepatotoxic. While topical absorption is lower than oral ingestion, these compounds can be absorbed through skin, especially with repeated or extensive application. According to the FDA and AAD, comfrey should be avoided during breastfeeding due to potential liver toxicity. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can enter the bloodstream and potentially transfer into breast milk, posing theoretical risks to the breastfed infant's developing liver. Even PA-free comfrey extracts are often recommended against during lactation as a precautionary measure. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists advise avoiding comfrey-containing products while breastfeeding. Safer alternative soothing ingredients like calendula or allantoin are preferred for postpartum skincare.
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Liver toxicity concern
Comfrey extract has traditional use for skin healing and soothing, which could theoretically benefit postpartum skin recovery. However, the ingredient contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that pose liver toxicity concerns. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concern is personal liver health rather than infant exposure. If using comfrey-containing products, choose only those explicitly labeled as PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free). Limited, occasional use of PA-free formulations on small skin areas is likely lower risk, but extensive or prolonged use should be avoided. Safer alternative soothing ingredients are generally recommended.
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Liver toxicity concern
Comfrey root extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are hepatotoxic. While the ingredient doesn't directly affect fertility, it should be discontinued when trying to conceive due to pregnancy safety concerns. Since comfrey is contraindicated during pregnancy, it's advisable to stop using it when actively trying to conceive. This allows time for any absorbed compounds to clear from the system before potential conception. Most healthcare providers recommend discontinuing comfrey-containing products at least one cycle before trying to conceive.
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Liver toxicity concern
Comfrey extract provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits that could help with skin concerns related to PCOS, such as acne or inflammation. However, the ingredient's safety concerns are unrelated to PCOS itself. The primary concern with comfrey is hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which affects everyone regardless of PCOS status. Women with PCOS who have metabolic concerns or fatty liver disease may want to be extra cautious about any hepatotoxic substances. The ingredient has no known effects on hormones or insulin sensitivity. If choosing to use comfrey-containing products with PCOS, ensure they are PA-free and limit use to small areas and short durations. Safer anti-inflammatory alternatives like niacinamide or centella asiatica are recommended for managing PCOS-related skin concerns.
Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Liver toxicity concern
Symphytum officinale (comfrey) extract has traditional use in skincare for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains allantoin, a beneficial compound for skin healing. However, comfrey also naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic. According to the FDA, comfrey products have caused liver damage, particularly with internal use. While topical use carries lower risk than ingestion, PAs can be absorbed through skin with repeated or extensive application. The FDA has warned against comfrey use, and the EU restricts cosmetic comfrey to PA-free preparations. If choosing products with comfrey extract, look for those explicitly labeled as PA-free or pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free. Even then, limit use to small areas and avoid prolonged daily application. Safer alternatives include allantoin (which is the beneficial component of comfrey) without the PA risk, or other soothing botanicals like calendula or centella asiatica.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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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