Antioxidant and wound healing effects of comfrey (Symphytum officinale) [Efectos antioxidantes y de cicatrización de heridas de la consuelda (Symphytum officinale)]

Abstract

This study explored the effects of comfrey (Symphytum officinale) on treating third–degree burns in a rat model, demonstrating promising results. A hot iron created standardized burns, after which three groups of rats received different treatments: no treatment (control), vaseline, or a 20% comfrey ointment. Histopathological assessments at the 7 days and 14 days marks showed accelerated healing in the comfrey–treated group compared to the control, indicating comfrey's potential for enhancing wound recovery. Additionally, comfrey's antioxidant capacity was evaluated using assays such as Fe³+ and Cu²+ reducing power and free radical scavenging activities (DPPH· and ABTS•+ assays). The IC50 values for DPPH· scavenging were 69.30 μg·mL-1 (water extract) and 46.20 μg·mL-1, while for ABTS•+ scavenging they were 77.00 μg·mL-1 and 69.30 μg·mL-1 (ethanol extract). These results confirm that comfrey exhibits significant antioxidant activity, likely contributing to its wound–healing properties. Overall, this study suggests comfrey as a safe traditional treatment option for burn healing, with its benefits likely stemming from its antioxidant activity. The results indicate this combination is a safe traditional medicine for clinical applications at proper doses.