Tag: Comfrey toxicity

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), comfrey is likely unsafe when taken by mouth, prompting a market removal of oral products containing this herb due to serious safety concerns. Therefore, understanding the health risks behind the question, "Can comfrey be eaten raw?", is essential for anyone considering its use.

While Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) can contain a crude protein content ranging from 15% to nearly 30% on a dry matter basis, its significant nutritional value is reserved exclusively for animal feed, as the plant is highly toxic to humans. This plant's impressive nutrient profile is overshadowed by severe health risks associated with its consumption.

Over 6,000 different plant species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds known to be toxic to humans and animals. Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) is a hybrid plant that contains some of the highest concentrations of these dangerous alkaloids, particularly echimidine, which is especially concerning. While it was once used internally in traditional medicine, modern science and health authorities now strongly advise against eating it due to the severe risk of liver damage and other serious health problems.