Abstract
Preparations of comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) roots are used topically to reduce inflammation. Comfrey anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been proven in clinical studies. However, the bioactive compounds associated with these therapeutic activities are yet to be identified. An LC–ESI–Orbitrap–MSn metabolite profile of a hydroalcoholic extract of comfrey root guided the identification of 20 compounds, including a new arylnaphthalene lignan bearing a rare δ-lactone ring, named comfreyn A. Its structure was determined using extensive 2D NMR and ESI–MS experiments. Additionally, the occurrence of malaxinic acid, caffeic acid ethyl ester, along with the lignans ternifoliuslignan D, 3-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxy-1-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl) -naphthalene, globoidnan A and B, and rabdosiin was reported in S. officinale for the first time. These results helped to redefine the metabolite profile of this medicinal plant. Finally, caffeic acid ethyl ester and comfreyn A were found to significantly inhibit E-selectin expression in IL-1β stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), with EC values of 64 and 50 µM, respectively.
Highlights
Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) known as comfrey, is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America [1,2]
A liquid hydroalcoholic extract of comfrey root was clinically proven to be effective for the treatment of acute upper and lower back pain, gonarthrosis, and blunt injuries [8,9,10]
Results extract of S. officinale root was analyzed by LC–ESI/HR/MS, using the
Summary
Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) known as comfrey, is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America [1,2]. Comfrey is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, and hemorrhoids [3]. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of its topical preparations [2,4]. Care is taken to deplete the PA presence through extraction, and strict limits must be met for the placement on the market of PA containing herbal medicines [7]. PA-depleted extracts are used in over-the-counter topical medicines to reduce inflammation and for the treatment of broken bones, tendon damages, painful joints, and muscles [3]. A liquid hydroalcoholic extract of comfrey root was clinically proven to be effective for the treatment of acute upper and lower back pain, gonarthrosis, and blunt injuries [8,9,10]
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