Arnica montana extract

Arnica montana extract is a plant-derived mixture obtained from the flowers or other parts of Arnica montana and is not a molecular target in the sense of a well-defined receptor, enzyme, or protein. Arnica montana extract is not a single molecular entity but a complex mixture of secondary metabolites extracted from the Arnica montana plant, most commonly from its flower heads. The extract typically contains sesquiterpene lactones (such as helenalin), flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils. Main essential oil constituents include alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, p-cymene, germacrene D, spathulenol, cumene, caryophyllene oxide, and benzene acetaldehyde[1][3]. The extract is used topically in herbal and homeopathic preparations for conditions such as bruises, swelling, joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Its topical use is approved for bruises and minor injuries in some countries but is considered potentially toxic or cytotoxic if ingested, with evidence of hepatotoxicity and other systemic risks at higher concentrations[2][4]. Arnica montana extract does not act as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or similarly definable therapeutic target, but instead contains multiple bioactive compounds that can modulate inflammation and pain through various, poorly defined pathways.

Other names

Arnica extractArnica montana flower extractArnicae flos extractmountain arnica extractwolf’s bane extract