Comfrey's Effects on Rat Liver Mutations
Author Information
Author(s): Mei N, Guo L, Fu P P, Heflich R H, Chen T
Primary Institution: National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration
Hypothesis
If the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in comfrey are responsible for its mutagenicity, the mutational spectrum of comfrey should be similar to that induced by riddelliine.
Conclusion
Comfrey induces mutations in the liver cII gene of transgenic Big Blue rats, suggesting it may cause liver tumors through a genotoxic mechanism.
Supporting Evidence
- Comfrey is mutagenic in rat liver.
- The types of mutations induced by comfrey suggest its tumorigenicity results from the genotoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
- The mutant frequency for rats fed comfrey was significantly greater than that for control rats.
Takeaway
Comfrey, a plant used in herbal medicine, can cause changes in rat liver DNA that might lead to cancer.
Methodology
The study evaluated the mutagenicity of comfrey in the liver cII gene of Big Blue rats using a diet containing 2% comfrey root.
Limitations
The study was relatively short-term, and the long-term effects of comfrey on liver health were not assessed.
Participant Demographics
6-week-old male Big Blue rats
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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