Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Comfrey contains hepatotoxic and carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In 2001 the FDA advised manufacturers to remove oral comfrey-containing dietary supplements from the market because of liver toxicity (hepatic veno-occlusive disease).
What it is
Extract of comfrey (Symphytum officinale) leaves; contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
Not a food additive; FDA strongly advises against internal use.
Why it's flagged
- hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- hepatic veno-occlusive disease
- carcinogenicity in animal studies
What regulators actually say
"FDA is advising manufacturers to remove from the market dietary supplement products containing comfrey... pyrrolizidine alkaloids... cause liver damage."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FDA 2001 advisory: removal of oral comfrey-containing dietary supplements; not approved for ingestion
European Union — EFSA
EFSA set tolerable upper intakes for PAs; comfrey not authorized as food
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