Comfrey

 

                                                         Herbal Agents: Hepatotoxicity

Comfrey

Derived from the Latin word confirmare meaning "to strengthen" or "to unite," reflecting its use in wound healing and bone fractures ("knitbone").

Greece and Rome: Used by Hippocrates and Dioscorides (1st century CE) 

Healing broken bones and wounds

Dioscorides described comfrey in De Materia Medica as a plant that “glues wounds together”

Comfrey: Hepatotoxicity

Comfrey and Liver Failure

🔬 Mechanism of Liver Injury:

1. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity:

   • These form DNA adducts → hepatocyte damage → liver cell death.

2. Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD):

• Also called sinusoidal obstruction syndrome.

• Damage to the small hepatic veins leads to blockage, hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, and eventual liver failure.

• Can progress to cirrhosis or acute liver failure.

Snapshot