Diarrhea comfrey

Comfrey has been used to treat respiratory problems (bronchitis, catarrh hemoptysis, pleurisy, whooping cough), gastrointestinal diseases (cholecystitis, colitis, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcers, hematemesis), metorrhagia, phlebitis, and tonsillitis. It is currently promoted for preventing kidney stones and for treating rheumatic and pulmonary disorders, and injuries such as bums and bruises. 

Comfrey (Symphytum officionale). Ointments made from comfrey are used topically for wound and bone healing. Comfrey tea and pills have been prescribed by herbalists to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and diarrhea. However, the FDA advised dietary supplement manufacturers to take comfrey off the market in 2001 because of the gathering evidence that comfrey taken internally causes severe liver toxicity. The FDA also noted the lack of evidence for comfrey s effectiveness. Comfrey should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. 

A 10-yr-old British boy was diagnosed with Crohn s disease and was treated with an herbal tea containing comfrey leaf. Other medications included sporadic use of prednisolone and sulfasalazine. Three years later, he presented with weight loss, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, ascites, tender hepatomegaly, and fatigue. Laboratory tests revealed mild iron deficiency anemia (Hgb 117 g/L), elevated bilirubin (26 mmol/L) and aspartate aminotransferase level (87 IU/L), and low serum albumin. Ascitic fluid protein concentration was 27 g/L. Liver biopsy showed the thrombotic variant of venoocclusive disease. He was treated with salt restriction and spironolactone, with good response. 

Comfrey Symphytum officinale Anti-inflammatory gastritis diarrhea Hepatic veno-occlusive disease possible teratogen/carcinogen. (Note many other plants also contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids-see Table 11-46). 

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