PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ARNICA/41

Arnica

Arnica montana

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of Arnica are the

ethereal oil of the flowers, the dried flowers, the leaves

collected before flowering and dried, the roots, and the dried

rhizome and roots.

Flower and Fruit: The terminal composite flower is found in

the leaf axils of the upper pair of leaves. They have a

diameter of 6 to 8 cm, are usually egg yolk-yellow to orange-

yellow, but occasionally light yellow. The receptacle and

epicalyx are hairy. The 10 to 20 female ray flowers are

lingui-form. In addition, there are about 100 disc flowers,

which are tubular. The 5-ribbed fruit is black-brown and has

a bristly tuft of hair.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Arnica is a herbaceous plant

growing 20 to 50 cm high. The brownish rhizome is 0.5 cm

thick by 10 cm long, usually unbranched, 3-sectioned and

sympodial. The rhizome may also be 3-headed with many

yellow-brown secondary roots. Leaves are in basal rosettes.

They are in 2 to 3 crossed opposite pairs and are obovate and

entire-margined with 5 protruding vertical ribs. The glandu-

lar-haired stem has 2 to 6 smaller leaves, which are ovate to

lanceolate, entire-margined or somewhat dentate.

Characteristics: The flower heads are aromatic; the taste is

bitter and irritating.

Habitat: Arnica is found in Europe from Scandinavia to

southern Europe. It is also found in southern Russia and

central Asia.

Production: Arnica flower consists of the fresh or dried

inflorescence of Arnica montana or Arnica chamissonis. The

flower should be dried quickly at 45° to 50°C.

Not to be Confused With: Other yellow-flowering Asteracea.

Other Names: Arnica Flowers, Arnica Root, Leopard's

Bane, Mountain Tobacco, Wolfsbane

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Sesquiterpene lactones of the pseudo-guaianolid-type: par-

ticularly esters of the helenalin- and 11,13-dihydrohelenalins

with short-chained fatty acids such as acetic acid, isobutyric

acid, 2- methyl-butyric acid, methylacrylic acid, isovaleric

acid or tiglic acid

Volatile oil: with thymol, thymol esters, free fatty acids

Polyynes: including tri-dec-l-en-penta-3,5,7,9 11-in

Hydroxycumarines

Cajfeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acid, 1,5-

dicaffeoyl quinic acid

Flavonoids: numerous flavone and flavonol glycosides and

their aglycones

EFFECTS

Arnica preparations have an antiphlogistic, analgesic and

antiseptic effect when applied topically, due to the sesquiter-

pene lactone componant. The flavonoid bonds, essential oils

and polyynes may also be involved. In cases of inflamma-

tion, Arnica preparations also show analgesic and antiseptic

activity. The sesquiterpenes (helenalin) in the drug have an

antimicrobial effect in vitro and an antiphlogistic effect in

animal tests. A respiratory-analeptic, uterine tonic and

cardiovascular effect (increase of contraction amplitude with

simultaneous increase in frequency, i.e. positive inotropic

effect) was demonstrated.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

• Fever and colds


• Inflammation of the skin


• Cough/bronchitis


• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx


• Rheumatism


• Common cold


• Blunt injuries


• Tendency to infection

Unproven Uses: External folk medicine uses include conse-

quences of injury such as traumatic edema, hematoma,

contusions, as well as rheumatic muscle and joint problems.

Other applications are inflammation of the oral and throat

region, furunculosis, inflammation caused by insect bites and

phlebitis. In Russian folk medicine, the drug is used to treat

uterine hemorrhaging. Furthermore, the drug is used for

myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, exhaustion,

cardiac insufficiency, sprains, contusions and for hair loss

due to psychological causes. While some uses are plausible,

most are unproven.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: The risks connected with the external, appropriate

administration of therapeutic dosages of the drug are

minimal. Frequent administration, in particular of the undi-

luted tincture, as well as with contacts with the plant, can

nevertheless lead to sensitization.

Allergy-related skin rashes with itching, blister formation,

ulcers and superficial necroses can result from repeated

contact with, among odier things, cosmetics containing

Arnica flowers or other composites (for example tansy,

chrysanthemums, sunflowers). External application of very