Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized controlled clinical double blind study

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2004 Nov;154(21-22):498-507. doi: 10.1007/s10354-004-0114-8.

Abstract

In a controlled, double blind, randomized multicentre study, the efficacy and safety of the topical comfrey product Traumaplant (10% active ingredient of a 2.5:1 aqueous ethanolic pressed juice of freshly harvested, cultivated comfrey herb (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN), corresponding to 25 g of fresh herb per 100 g of cream; n = 104) was tested against a 1% product (corresponding to 2.5 g of fresh comfrey herb in 100 g of cream; n = 99) in 203 patients with acute ankle distortion. With the high concentration, decrease of the scores for pain on active motion, pain at rest and functional impairment was highly significant and clinically relevant on days T3-4 as well as T7 (p < 0.001). Amelioration of swellings as compared to reference was also significant on day 3-4 (p < 0.01). Efficacy was judged good to excellent in 85.6% of cases with verum and in 65.7% of cases with reference on day 3-4. Overall tolerability was excellent.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Comfrey*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Edema / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Plant Extracts