Sowa, Ireneusz, et al. Natural product research 32.5 (2018): 605-609.
Symphytum officinale root extract (SORE) has long been recognized in traditional medicine for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential and cellular effects of SORE, specifically focusing on its impact on human skin fibroblasts (HSF).
Using an ethanol/water extract (EX1) and a water extract (EX2), five phenolic compounds-rosmarinic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid-were identified via HPLC-DAD. The DPPH, FRAP, and total phenolic content (TPC) assays confirmed significant antioxidant activity in EX1, attributed to its high phenolic acid content. EX2, containing trace phenolic acids and allantoin as its main component, exhibited limited antioxidant activity.
MTT assays demonstrated that SORE at concentrations of 50-200 μg/mL was non-toxic over 24-48 hours and slightly reduced cell viability at 72 hours. Interestingly, EX1 and EX2 enhanced mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, suggesting a stimulatory effect on HSF metabolism. Further analysis indicated that allantoin primarily drove this stimulation, with a potential synergistic interaction with phenolic compounds in EX1.
Cell culture density analysis and cytoskeletal studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of both extracts, with no observed changes in cell shape or F-actin organization. These findings highlight the potential of SORE as a non-toxic, antioxidant-rich formulation with beneficial effects on skin cell metabolism and viability, supporting its use in wound healing and dermatological applications.
Nastić, Nataša, et al. Molecules 25.4 (2020): 837.
This study investigates the comparative efficiency of different extraction techniques for isolating phytochemicals from comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root, including supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and conventional solid/liquid extraction (maceration). A detailed characterization of the phytochemical profiles was conducted using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, revealing 44 metabolites, including 39 previously unreported compounds. These metabolites primarily consisted of fatty acids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives.
The results highlight the influence of extraction parameters on the composition of the extracts. PLE, utilizing 85% ethanol at 63°C, was particularly effective for recovering polar compounds, especially phenolics. SFE with 15% ethanol at 150 bar yielded optimal recovery of fatty acids. Maceration using alcohol-based solvents (methanol or ethanol) provided efficient extraction of polar phytochemicals, while SFE with acetone favored nonpolar compounds. The choice of solvent played a critical role in determining the extraction profile.
This comprehensive evaluation underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate extraction method based on the desired phytochemical profile, providing valuable insights for enhancing the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in comfrey root. The study offers a foundation for optimizing extraction techniques for specific applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Seigner, Jacqueline, et al. Frontiers in pharmacology 10 (2019): 289.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) root extract, widely used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation and pain, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties through its effects on NF-κB signaling. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the extract's action, particularly in human endothelial cells. The hydroalcoholic extract, especially the mucilage-depleted fraction, demonstrates dose-dependent inhibition of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced pro-inflammatory markers such as E-selectin, VCAM1, ICAM1, and COX-2. The extract interferes with the activation of NF-κB, a key transcription factor in the inflammatory response.
Mechanistically, comfrey root extract affects NF-κB signaling at two critical points: first, it delays the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, the NF-κB inhibitor, and second, it impairs the translocation and transactivation of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus. These dual actions hinder the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and mitigate the development of a pro-inflammatory environment.
These findings provide the first mechanistic insight into how comfrey root extract exerts its anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions. The study underscores the importance of NF-κB modulation in the anti-inflammatory action of comfrey, offering a molecular basis for its clinical use.
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