Arnica: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
The Gold of the Vosges
Scientific name(s)
Arnica montana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Helenalin tiglate
Dihydrohelenalin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
Within the treatment of rheumatic manifestations, Arnica has been the subject of several clinical studies aimed at evaluating its efficacy. An open clinical trial showed that the application of an arnica gel (A. Vogel Arnica Gel) twice a day for three weeks in people suffering from osteoarthritis reduced the total symptom scores, including pain, stiffness and functional limitation, compared with baseline measurements. A larger randomized clinical trial found that the application of the same gel was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain intensity and improving hand function. ESCOP recommends arnica flowers for external use in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatism.
Posologie
Topical use: flower
50%
gel, cream, oil
Sprain, Contusion, Bruises ✪✪✪✪✪
Arnica is widely used in minor trauma, that is, in cases of non-open skin injury such as contusions, bruises, sprains, strains, or others. According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for these indications. Its efficacy is based on traditional use. In clinical practice, Arnica shows promising potential in relieving postoperative symptoms and pain associated with trauma. Although some clinical studies suggest that topical products containing 10% Arnica, as well as oral homeopathic products, do not effectively reduce postoperative bruising, conflicting research highlights their benefits. For example, one study showed that applying a 20% Arnica ointment twice daily for two weeks reduced laser-induced bruising compared with a plain white petroleum jelly ointment. Similarly, a specific Arnica cream, applied four times daily, reduced periocular bruising in the first week after rhinoplasty compared with no local treatment. Furthermore, the use of a specific oral homeopathic Arnica product demonstrated a reduction in bruising in women undergoing facelift surgery compared with placebo on postoperative days 1 and 7. A more recent clinical study examined the effect of topical application of Arnica or mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPSP) following lower wisdom tooth extraction. Results showed that the Arnica and MPSP groups experienced less pain than the control group up to the fifth day. Arnica was more effective at reducing trismus, while MPSP was more effective at decreasing edema.
Posologie
Topical: flower
10 - 20%
gel, cream, oil
Community herbal monograph on Arnica montana L., flos
Perioperative Arnica montana for Reduction of Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty Surgery
Can Topical Agents (Arnica and Mucopolysaccharide Polysulfate) Reduce Postoperative Pain, Edema and Trismus Following Mandibular Third Molar Surgery?
Integrative Medicine in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Our Literature
Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Accelerated resolution of laser-induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial
Muscle pain ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for its use in the treatment of localized muscle pain. The effectiveness of Arnica in relieving muscle pain has been explored across several clinical studies, however the results remain contradictory. nnIn one of the studies, the topical application of a 7% arnica cream did not show a significant reduction in muscle pain following calf-strengthening exercises. Another study revealed that although arnica applied immediately after intense exercise did not influence performance or markers of muscle damage, it potentially reduced muscle tenderness three days later. Finally, a study evaluating the effect of a mud poultice containing arnica and menthol indicated an accelerated recovery of strength and a significant reduction in muscle pain after intensive training sessions, although with no impact on muscle morphology.nn
Posologie
Topical use: flower
7 - 50%
gel, cream, oil
The effects of topical Arnica on performance, pain and muscle damage after intense eccentric exercise
Mud Pack With Menthol and Arnica Montana Accelerates Recovery Following a High-Volume Resistance Training Session for Lower Body in Trained Men
The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Homeopathic Arnica 30x is ineffective for muscle soreness after long-distance running: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Varicosities ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized double-blind study compared the topical application of a cream containing arnica flower extract to a placebo in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (primary varicose veins of the legs). After three weeks of treatment, combined with basic hydrotherapy, there was a significantly greater improvement in the group that received the arnica-based treatment.nnHowever, another study, including 100 patients divided into two groups of 50 each to receive either a gel of arnica flower extract or a placebo, found comparable improvements in both groups, with no significant difference between them.nn
Posologie
Topical use: flower
gel, cream, oil
Gingivitis, Canker sores ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties useful against gingivitis and canker sores.nnThe arnica product should not be swallowed. Local application or gargle.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flower
gel, infusion, mother tincture
Insect bites ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties useful against certain skin inflammations, including insect bites.nn
Posologie
Topical use: flower
gel, cream, oil
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The efficacy of Arnica against inflammation can be explained by the action of specific components such as helenalin. Research has shown that helenalin has significant anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrated by its ability to inhibit carrageenan-induced edema in rats in several animal model experiments. In addition to helenalin, Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, which act at the cellular level to inhibit the processes responsible for the initiation of inflammation. Thus, they block the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a protein essential to the triggering of the inflammatory response, which prevents the excessive production of molecules and enzymes that promote inflammation, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase.
Usages associés
Mode of action of sesquiterpene lactones as anti-inflammatory agents
Inhibition of pattern recognition receptor-mediated inflammation by bioactive phytochemicals
Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind study
Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals
Analgesic
A study has shown that sesquiterpene lactones, including helenalin found in Arnica, act as anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting several biological pathways responsible for inflammation and pain, in particular the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) to the site of injury. These anti-inflammatory actions could contribute to their analgesic effects.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 20% - 25% (mother tincture)
Arnica is used in various topical formulations, notably as a gel, cream, ointment, oil, and dressing. For mouthwashes a 10% diluted tincture is used. Arnica is not recommended for oral use or for topical application on an open wound.
Precautions
Adults: use with caution
For oral use only homeopathic preparations are permitted. Ingesting Arnica in any other form causes cardiotoxicity and serious side effects.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: contraindicated
Arnica is contraindicated for topical or oral use.
Breastfeeding women: contraindicated
Arnica is contraindicated for topical or oral use.
Allergies: contraindicated
Arnica can trigger immune reactions in people allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family. Members of this family include chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other plants.
