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
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
As part of the treatment for rheumatic manifestations, Arnica has been the subject of several clinical studies aimed at evaluating its efficacy. An open clinical trial demonstrated that applying an arnica gel (A. Vogel Arnica Gel) twice daily for three weeks in people with osteoarthritis reduced total symptom scores, including pain, stiffness, and functional limitation, compared to initial measurements. Another larger randomized clinical study revealed that applying the same gel was as effective as ibuprofen for lowering pain intensity and improving hand function. The ESCOP indicates Arnica flowers, for external use, in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatism.
Posologie
Topical application: flower
50%
gel, cream, oil
Sprain, Contusion, Bruises ✪✪✪✪✪
Arnica is widely used in minor traumatology, meaning in cases of non-open skin trauma, such as contusions, bruises, sprains, strains, or other injuries. According to the ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for these indications. Its efficacy is based on its traditional use. In clinical practice, Arnica shows promising potential in relieving postoperative symptoms and pain associated with injuries. Although some clinical studies suggest that topical products containing 10% Arnica, as well as oral homeopathic products, do not effectively reduce postoperative bruising, contradictory research highlights their benefits. For instance, one study showed that applying a 20% Arnica ointment twice daily for two weeks reduced laser-induced bruising compared to a white petrolatum-based ointment. Similarly, an Arnica-specific cream, applied four times daily, reduced periocular bruising in the first week after rhinoplasty compared to the absence of local treatment. Furthermore, the use of a specific oral homeopathic Arnica product demonstrated bruise reduction in women undergoing a facelift compared to a placebo, on days 1 and 7 postoperatively. A more recent clinical study examined the effect of topical application of Arnica or mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPSP) following lower wisdom tooth extraction. The results showed that the Arnica and MPSP groups experienced less pain than the control group until the fifth day. Arnica was more effective in reducing trismus, while MPSP was more effective in reducing swelling.
Posologie
Topical application: 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
Muscular pain ✪✪✪✪✪
According to the ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for its use in treating localized muscular pain. The efficacy of Arnica in relieving muscular pain has been explored through several clinical studies, although the results remain contradictory. In one study, the topical application of a 7% arnica cream did not show significant reduction in muscle pain following calf-strengthening exercises. Another study revealed that although arnica applied immediately after intense exercise did not affect performance or indicators of muscle damage, it potentially reduced muscle tenderness three days later. Lastly, a study evaluating the effect of a mud poultice containing arnica and menthol indicated an acceleration of strength recovery and a significant reduction in muscle pain after intensive training sessions, although with no impact on muscle morphology.
Posologie
Topical application: 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
Varicose veins ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized double-blind study compared the topical application of a cream containing arnica flower extract to a placebo in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (primary leg varicose veins). After three weeks of treatment, combined with basic hydrotherapy, a significantly greater improvement was observed in the group who received the arnica-based treatment. However, another study, involving 100 patients divided into two groups of 50 each for treatment with either an arnica flower extract gel or a placebo, revealed comparable improvements in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups.
Posologie
Topically: flower
gel, cream, oil
Gingivitis, Mouth ulcers ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and EMA (European Medicines Agency), Arnica is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties useful against gingivitis and mouth ulcers. The arnica-based product should not be swallowed. Local application or gargling.
Posologie
Orally: flower
gel, infusion, mother tincture
Insect bites ✪✪✪✪✪
According to ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) and EMA (European Medicines Agency), arnica is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties useful against certain skin inflammations including insect bites.
Posologie
Topically: 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. Studies have shown that helenalin possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties, illustrated by its ability to inhibit carrageenan-induced edema in rats in several animal model experiments. In addition to helenalin, Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, which intervene at the cellular level to inhibit the processes responsible for the initiation of inflammation. Thus, they block the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, a protein essential in triggering the inflammatory reaction, preventing the excessive production of molecules and enzymes that promote inflammation, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-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 randomised, double-blind study
Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals
Analgesic
A study showed that sesquiterpene lactones, including helenalin present in Arnica, act as anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting several biological pathways responsible for inflammation and pain, particularly the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) to the injury site. These anti-inflammatory actions could contribute to their analgesic effects.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 20% - 25% (mother tincture)
Arnica is used in various topical formulations, including gels, creams, ointments, oils, and dressings. For mouth rinses a 10% diluted tincture is used. Arnica is not recommended for oral use or for topical application on an open wound.
Precautions
Adult: use with caution
Orally, only homeopathic preparations are authorized. Ingesting arnica in any other form causes cardiotoxicity and severe side effects.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: forbidden
Arnica is contraindicated for both topical and oral use.
Breastfeeding women: forbidden
Arnica is contraindicated for both topical and oral use.
Allergies: forbidden
Arnica can cause immune reactions in people allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family. Members of this family include chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other plants. a
