Ingredient
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- 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 Root Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Comfrey root extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds that have shown liver toxicity in animal studies and human case reports when ingested orally. In cosmetics, it's used for its traditional skin-soothing properties and anti-inflammatory effects. The primary concern during pregnancy is that PAs can be absorbed through the skin and may cross the placental barrier. Animal studies have shown that pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause fetal liver damage and developmental issues. While topical absorption is lower than oral ingestion, the potential for systemic exposure exists, particularly with damaged skin or prolonged use. Most toxicology experts advise caution with PA-containing plants during pregnancy. The FDA has issued warnings about oral comfrey products due to hepatotoxicity risks, and many healthcare providers extend this precaution to topical use during pregnancy. The EU requires cosmetic comfrey extracts to be PA-free or contain only trace amounts, but verification can be challenging. Given the known toxicity mechanism and lack of safety data for pregnant women, most obstetricians recommend avoiding comfrey-containing products during pregnancy.
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Comfrey root extract contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can be absorbed through the skin. These compounds are fat-soluble and have been shown to cause liver toxicity in both animal and human studies when ingested orally. The concern during breastfeeding is that absorbed PAs could potentially transfer into breast milk and expose the breastfed infant. Infants have immature liver detoxification systems, making them more vulnerable to PA toxicity. While specific studies on topical comfrey use during breastfeeding are lacking, the known hepatotoxicity of PAs and their fat-soluble nature suggest a theoretical risk of infant exposure through breast milk. Medical professionals generally recommend avoiding comfrey products while breastfeeding due to the potential for infant exposure to hepatotoxic compounds. The risk is considered theoretical but serious enough that most lactation consultants and dermatologists advise choosing alternative soothing ingredients with established safety profiles during the breastfeeding period.
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, comfrey root extract can provide soothing benefits for irritated or healing skin. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) still warrants caution due to potential liver toxicity with systemic absorption. If choosing products containing comfrey, look for those that specifically state they use PA-free extracts or comply with EU cosmetic regulations limiting PA content. Avoid use on broken skin, surgical incisions, or damaged tissue where absorption would be higher. Short-term, occasional use on intact skin poses lower risk than prolonged daily application.
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should follow similar precautions as pregnant women, as the timing of conception can be uncertain and early pregnancy is a critical period for fetal development. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from comfrey can accumulate in the body over time with regular use. Since PAs have known fetal toxicity in animal studies and the timing of conception may not be immediately known, it's prudent to discontinue comfrey-containing products when actively trying to conceive. This allows time for any absorbed compounds to clear from the system before pregnancy occurs. Most fertility specialists recommend treating the preconception period similarly to early pregnancy regarding ingredient safety.
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Comfrey root extract has anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically benefit inflammatory skin conditions sometimes associated with PCOS, such as acne or skin sensitivity. However, the ingredient's PA content raises hepatotoxicity concerns regardless of PCOS status. Women with PCOS who may already have metabolic concerns or liver enzyme elevations from conditions like insulin resistance or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease should be particularly cautious with ingredients that pose hepatotoxicity risks. While topical absorption is limited, the cumulative effect of daily use over time is not well studied. If using comfrey-containing products, choose those verified as PA-free and avoid prolonged daily use. Many safer anti-inflammatory alternatives exist that provide similar soothing benefits without the hepatotoxicity concerns.
Symphytum Officinale Root Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Common allergen
Comfrey root extract is valued in cosmetics for its traditional skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains allantoin, mucilage, and other compounds that can help calm irritated skin and support skin healing processes. The primary health concern is the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic compounds that have caused liver damage in humans who consumed comfrey orally. While topical absorption is significantly lower than oral ingestion, PAs can still be absorbed through the skin, particularly on damaged or inflamed skin. The FDA has warned against oral comfrey products, and regulatory bodies in various countries have restricted or limited its use in cosmetics. The EU Cosmetics Regulation allows comfrey in cosmetic products but requires that extracts be PA-free or contain only trace amounts (below detection limits). For the general public, occasional use of comfrey products on intact skin poses relatively low risk, but daily prolonged use or application to broken skin should be avoided. Individuals with liver conditions should consult healthcare providers before using comfrey-containing products. Many consumers choose to opt for alternative soothing ingredients that lack hepatotoxicity concerns.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, each one with its own page here.
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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