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Family Compositae / Asteraceae
Arnica
Arnica montana Linn.
MOUNTAIN ARNICA

Shan jin che

Scientific names Common names
Arnica alpina Willd. ex Steud.          [Illegitimate] Arnica (Tag., Engl.)
Arnica helvetica G.Don ex Loudon Common arnica (Engl.)
Arnica lowii Holm Leopard's bane (Engl.)
Arnica montana Linn. Mountain arnica (Engl.)
Arnica petiolata Schur Mountain tobacco (Engl.)
Cineraria cernua Thore.  
Doronicum montanum Lam.  
Doronicum oppositifolim Lam.  
Arnica montana L. is an accepted name. The Plant List

Other vernacular names
CHINESE: Shan jin che.
GERMAN: Wolfesgelega.

Botany
Arnica is a perennial plant growing to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters. Stems are round, slightly hairy, 20 to 60 centimeters, usually supporting a single flower head. Leaves are bright green, oblong-ovate, short-petioled, most in a basal rosette. The upper ones are smaller and sessile, toothed and slightly hairy, while the lower leaves have rounded tips. Flower heads are 8 to 9, large and daisy-like, yellow-orange, about 5 centimeters in diameter. Fruit is brownish, with a single row of white barbed hair.

Distribution
- Introduced.
- May be abundant in higher elevations.

Constituents
- Yields traces of non-toxic alkaloids tussilagine and isotussilagine.
- Also yields arnicin (more in the flowers than the rhizomes), a volatile oil (0.3 - 1.0%), thymol (an essential oil), fatty acids, caffeic acid, phytosterols, flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids, resin, tannins, phulin.
- Arnica oil is 50% fatty acids (linolenic, palmitic, linoleic, myristic, etc.) and 50% mixture of thymol, thymol esters, thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, and phlorol isobutyrate.

- Yields amines (betaine, choline and trimethylamine), carbohydrates (mucilage, polysaccharides including inulin), coumarins (scopoletin and umbelliferone), flavonoids (betuletol, eupafolin, flavonol glucoronides, hispidulin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, laciniatin, luteolin, patuletin, quercetin, spinacetin, tricin) and terpenoids (sesquiterpene lactones of the pseudoguaianolide-type).
- Study six sample of flower heads yielded four flavonoid aglycones were detected with known compounds - scutellarein-6-methyl ether (hispidulin), scutellarein 6,4’-dimethyl ether (pectolinarigenin), 6-hydroxyluteolin 6-methyl ether and kaempferol 6-methyl ether. (see study below) (27)

Properties
- Bark is bitter and acrid, the smell similar to apples.
- Considered antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, parasiticide, vulnerary.
- Considered estrogenic, galactagogue, emmenagogue.

Parts used
Flowers, roots.

Uses

Folkloric
- Tinctures or salves used to promote healing of wounds and bruises.
- Used to soothe muscle aches and reduce inflammation.
- Infusion of flowers used to relive stomach and abdominal pains.
- In homeopathy, commonly used as a tincture, or as a base for compresses and poultices.
Others
- Veterinary: In veterinary phytotherapy, used topically for the treatment of tendon, joint and udder inflammations. Also, for cleaning and treatment of skin and mucous membrane wound, eczema and skin inflammations.
- Tobacco:
Dried leaves once used as substitute for tobacco. Swiss mountain guides chewed arnica leaves to prevent fatigue. (17)
- Homeopathy:
Whole plant used for homeopathic remedy. (17)


Studies
Topical Analgesic / Osteoarthritis:
A study was done comparing the effects of ibuprofen and arnica gel preparation for symptom relief in osteoarthritis. With the primary endpoints of pain intensity and hand function, results showed the arnica preparation was not inferior to ibuprofen in treating osteoarthritis of the hands. (5)
Anti-Inflammatory Study / Effect on Histamine-Induced Vascular Permeability: An animal preclinical study was done to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of AM 6cF in acute and chronic inflammation models. In the acute model, no inflammatory inhibition was note with Arnica treatment prior to carrageenan. In the chronic Nystatin-induced edema model, there was reduced inflammation 6 hr after the application of the inflammatory agent. In a histamine-induced model, pretreatment blocked the action of histamine in increasing vascular permeability. (11)
Inflammatory Process Modulation / Role of Individual Variation: Study concludes proposing two hypotheses: (1) there is no selective modulation of leucocyte subsets by AM 6cH treatment and (2) there is clear interference of individual kinetic variation in vascular events after treatment with AM 6cH. (15)
Postpartum Bleeding: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared to placebo. (12)
Wound Healing: Study concludes that after foot operations, Arnica D4 can be used instead of diclofenac to reduce wound irritation. (13)
Effects on Post-Laser Treatment Bruises / No Statistical Difference: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of 19 patients to evaluate topical arnica's effect on post-treatment bruising after laser treatment for facial telangiectasia. Results showed no significant difference between topical arnica and vehicle in the prevention or resolution of bruising. (6)
Homeopathic arnica "No better than placebo":
A study looked at 3 groups of patients for carpal tunnel surgery receiving high-potency homeopathic arnica tablets, low potency tablets, and placebo. Results showed "no significant difference" in pain, bruising or swelling between the patient groups. (7) A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was done on 64 adults undergoing elective surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome with three parallel arms. Result of the trial did not suggest that homeopathic arnica has an advantage over placebo in reducing postoperative pain, bruising and swelling.
Multicenter Trial / Osteoarthritis / Safety and Efficacy: An open multicenter trial investigated the safety and efficacy of A. montana fresh plant gel applied twice daily to 79 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Results conclude topical application of the AM gel for 6 weeks was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate OA of the knee. (8)
Postoperative Blepharopasty Ecchymosis: A DB, placebo-controlled, prospective study showed no statistically significant differences among Arnica prescribed or placebo in reducing post-blepharoplasty ecchymosis. (14)
Post-Surgical Pain and Inflammation: Study evaluated the used of A. montana as homeopathic remedy for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in pain management and postoperative settings. Results showed Arnica montana is more effective than placebo when used for the treatment of several conditions including post-traumatic and postoperative pain, edema, and ecchymosis. However, dosages and preparations used produced substantial differences in clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests AM may represent a valid alternative to NSAIDs, at least when treating some conditions. (19)
• Neuro-Pharmacological and Analgesic Effects: Study evaluated the neuro-pharmacological and analgesic effect of A. montana in mice. Results showed decreased locomotor and exploratory activities in mice at dose of 100 mg/kg, significant (p<0.05) compared with diazepam 2mg/kg. The crude extract also showed potent analgesic activity at 100 mg/kg (p<0.05) with aspirin 300 mg/kg as reference drug. Results suggest significant analgesic and anxiolytic activity. (21)
• No Effect on Mast Cell Populations in Oral Ulcers in Rats: Study investigated the effect of A. montana on mast cells during wound healing of induced oral ulcers in rats. Results sowed A. montana tincture and gel did not change the mast cell populations during wound healing of oral ulcers in rats. Results suggest the anti-inflammatory effects of A. montana were not related to mast cell degranulation. (22)
• Antioxidant / Cytoprotective: Study evaluated A. montana and A. absinthium ethanolic extracts for chemical composition, antioxidant activity and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in a mouse fibroblast-like NCTC cell line. Results showed both extracts were rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, and good antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effect against oxidative. (23)
• Mechanisms of A. montana Effects on Macrophages: Study evaluated the effect of A. montana on human macrophages using human monocytic leukaemia cell line THP-1. Results identified a group of genes that are upregulated by A. montana in macrophages, many of them involved in the processes of connective tissue remodeling and regeneration. (26)
• Flavonoids / Polyphenolics / Antiradical Properties / Flower Heads: Study or six samples of A. montana flower heads showed the best quality in terms of total flavonoids and phenolics, antiradical properties and external flavonoid profiles were obtained when they were collected at full flowering stage. (see constituents above) (27)

Toxicity concerns
- Helenalin: Contains toxin helenalin, poisonous when ingested in large amounts, producing gastroenteritis and GI bleeding, vomiting, shortness of breath, palpitations. and coma in children.
- May also cause contact dermatitis, especially in those sensitized by sesquiterpenes of the helanalin type.
- The German Commission E has approved arnica only for use on the skin for treating superficial injuries, effects of accidents, insect bites. It is considered unsafe for internal use.
- Most studies and available scientific evidence do not support most of the claims about Arnica's effectiveness.
- Advice made not to apply to broken skin, broken skin, and wounds; also to avoid on mucous membranes. Do not use with a history of allergy to sunflowers, marigold, ragweed, and other members of the Asteracea family. Raw or pure arnica herb is considered unsafe by the FDA. (18)

Herb-Drug Interactions / Caution
Antihypertensives: Arnica may reduce hypotensive effects.
Anticoagualants / Antiplatelets: Arnica may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of coumarin constituents. This effect has not been documented in humans.
(Also see: Herb-Drug Interactions)
Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy because of possible uterine stimulant action.
• Increased Risks of Bleeding and Bruising: Medications that slow blood clotting (aspirin, clopidorgrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, among others) may interact with Arnica, and may cause increased changes of bruising and bleeding. (24)
• Study on Coagulation Effect: Study evaluated the effect of homeopathic remedy A. montana 30CH on blood coagulation in vitro. The results showed homeopathic A. montana 30CH had not significant effect on blood coagulation. However, it might still play a vital role in the process of autoregulation by influencing vascular integrity and platelet activity. (25)

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Oil, tinctures, gels, creams and ointments in the cybermarket.

© Godofredo U. Stuart Jr., M.D.

Updated June 2017 / pril 2016
August 2011


IMAGE SOURCE: Photo: Field of Flowers / File:Arnica montana 180605.jpg / Bernd Haynold / F / CC BY-SA 2.5 / click on image to go to source page / Wikipedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Public Domain / File:Koeh-015.jpg / Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen / 1897 / Wikipedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Public Domain / arnica-da-montanha - Scientific name: Arnica montana / Jacob Sturm, Johann Georg Sturm - Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen (1796) / alterVISTA

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Arnica Montana as Herbal Remedy / Chinese Herbs
(2)
Arnica montana / Herbal Source
(3)
Arnica montana L. / Judith Ladner / FAO
(4)
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina / Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science
(5)
Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study / Reto Widrig, Andy Suter, Reinhard Saller and Jörg Melzer / RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Volume 27, Number 6, 585-591, DOI: 10.1007/s00296-007-0304-y
(6)
Effects of Topical Arnica Gel on Post-Laser Treatment Bruises / Delilah Alonso MD, Melissa C. Lazarus BS, Leslie Baumann MD / Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 28, Issue 8, pages 686–688, August 2002
(7)
Homeopathic arnica "no better than placebo" / Royal Society of Medicine / 3 Feb 2003
(8)
Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: An open, multicenter clinical trial / Otto Knuesel, Michel Weber and Andy Suter / ADVANCES IN THERAPY, Vol 19, No 5, 209-218 / DOI: 10.1007/BF02850361
(9)
Arnica montana / About Herbs / Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
(10)
Arnica / Find Support & Treatment / American Cancer Society
(11)
Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals
/ Macêdo SB, Ferreira LR, Perazzo FF, Carvalho JC / Homeopathy. 2004 Apr;93(2):84-7.
(12)
The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study--preliminary results / Oberbaum M, Galoyan N, Lerner-Geva L et al / Complement Ther Med. 2005 Jun;13(2):87-90.
(13)
Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for Healing of Wounds After Hallux Valgus Surgery Compared to Diclofenac / Jens-Hagen Karow, Hans-Peter Abt, Markus Frohling, Hanns Ackermann / The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. January 1, 2008, 14(1): 17-25 / doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0560
(14)

Arnica montana, a homeopathic flowering herb, did not reduce ecchymosis after upper blepharoplasty
/ Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;26(6):395-397.
(15)
Inflammatory Process Modulation by Homeopathic Arnica montana 6CH: The Role of Individual Variation / Ana Paula Kawakami, Cesar Sato, Thayna Neves Cardoso, and Leoni Villano Bonamin / Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol 2011 (2011) / doi:10.1155/2011/917541
(16)
Arnica montana / Synonyms / The Plant List
(17)
Arnica montana / Marysia Kratimenos / British Homeopathic Association
(18)
Arnica / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
(19)
Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-SurgicalSetting, Pain and Inflammation / Tommaso Iannitti, PhD., * Julio Cesar Morales-Medina, PhD, Paolo Bellavite, MD, Valentina Rottigni, MSC, and Beniamino Palmieri, MD, Ph / American Journal of Therapeutics 0, 000–000 (2014)
(20)
Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery / C Stevinson, BSc MSc, V.S. Devaraj, FRCS FRCS(Plast), A. Fountain-Barber, MCSP SRP, S Hawkins, MCSP SRP, and  E. Ernst, MD PhD / J R. Soo Med. 2003 Feb; 96(2): 60–65.
(21)
NEURO-PHARMACOLOGICAL AND ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF ARNICA MONTANA EXTRACT / MANSOOR AHMAD*, FARAH SAEED, MEHJABEEN, NOOR JAHAN / International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 5, Issue 4, 2013
(22)
Arnica montana does not affect mast cell populations in experimentally induced oral ulcers in rats / Leandro Boutin Perussolo, Ana Maria Trindade Grégio, Luciana Reis Azevedo-Alanis, Maria Ângela Naval Machado, Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues Johann, Antonio Adilson Soares de Lima / Medical Express, Vol 2, No 3 São Paulo May/June 2015 / http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/MedicalExpress.2015.03.06
(23)
Evaluation of antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of Arnica montana L. and Artemisia absinthiumL. ethanolic extracts / Oana CraciunescuDaniel ConstantinAlexandra GasparLiana TomaElena Utoiuand Lucia Moldovan / Chemistry Central Journal, 2012, 6:97 / DOI10.1186/1752-153X-6-97
(24)
Arnica: Interactions / WebMD
(25)
A study on the effect of Arnica montana 30CH on blood coagulation in vitro / Calvert-Evers, J.L., Dr. ; Solomon, E.M., Dr. / Thesis / http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11756
(26)
Study of the action mechanisms of Arnica montana effects on macrophages. / Marzotto, Marta; Bonafini, Clara; Olioso, Debora; Bellavite, Paolo / International Journal of High Dilution Resarch . 2016, Vol. 15 Issue 4, p32-35. 4p. 
(27)
FLAVONOID PROFILES, POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIRADICAL PROPERTIES OF CULTIVATED PLANTS OF Arnica montana L. / Milena NIKOLOVA, Antonina VITKOVA, Ely ZAYOVA, Maria PETROVA / AgroLife Scientific Journal - Volume 2, Number 2, 2013

It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page.

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