arnica montana

Arnica montana is a perennial herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae) used primarily in topical preparations for pain relief and inflammation associated with bruises, sprains, muscle aches, and wounds. It has a long history of use in folk and homeopathic medicine but lacks robust clinical evidence for efficacy as an anti-inflammatory or analgesic agent[1][3][5]. The plant contains over 150 bioactive compounds including sesquiterpene lactones (notably helenalin), flavonoids, volatile oils, coumarins, carotenoids, diterpene alcohols, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and phenolic acids[8]. Mechanistically, helenalin is thought to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in immune cells; other components may modulate macrophage gene expression related to tissue healing and extracellular matrix production[6][8]. Arnica is considered toxic if ingested orally or applied to broken skin due to risks of severe adverse effects such as vomiting and cardiac arrest; homeopathic dilutions are generally regarded as safe due to extreme dilution[2][5]. Arnica montana is not an FDA-approved drug but appears as an ingredient in some over-the-counter topical products.

Brand names

Arnicarell

Other names

wolf's baneleopard's banemountain snuffmountain tobaccosneezewortarnica flos