What Is Arnica Extract?

Arnica montana, which is commonly referred to as arnica, is a perennial plant native to the mountains of Europe. It has yellow-orange flowers that resemble daises. Arnica has been used medicinally since the 1500s, and it remains popular as an homeopathic and topical herbal remedy for the treatment of a variety of disorders.

Arnica Extract Basics

Extracts of the fresh or dried arnica flower heads are sold in cream, ointment, salve, oil and tincture forms. Arnica is primarily restricted to topical use because it can cause severe side effects such as tremors, coma and heart irregularities when taken internally. The one exception is homeopathy in which highly diluted arnica is taken as a granule under the tongue.

Mechanism of Action

Arnica has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, meaning it helps kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Arnica contains fatty acids and oils, as well as flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids and other phytochemicals, which are potent antioxidant substances found in plants. The exact mechanism of action of arnica is unknown; however, the anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to a substance in it called helenalin.

Topical Uses

Arnica is used to soothe muscle aches, ease pain, increase circulation, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also applied to injuries such as sprains and bruises, and is thought to hasten healing time. In addition, it is used to soothe rheumatic pain, lessen inflammation caused by insect bites, reduce swelling from fractures, treat acne, and reduce post-operative swelling and pain.

Arnica and Arthritis

Preliminary research suggests that arnica can help treat osteoarthritis. MSKCC explains that arnica appears to inhibit the binding of MMP1 and MMP13 to bone cartilage. This is important because MMP1 and MMP13 are two enzymes that are thought to increase inflammation and cause the destruction of bone cartilage and joints.

Homeopathic Arnica Extracts

Homeopathic preparations of arnica are used for the same purposes as topical preparations; namely to treat muscle soreness, reduce inflammation and enhance wound healing. Homeopathic arnica preparations are generally considered safe because they are so diluted that there is no detectable amount of arnica in them.

Precautions

Topical use of arnica is non toxic, however, it should not be applied to an open wound. Prolonged use may irritate the skin and cause eczema, peeling, blisters or other skin conditions. Finally, "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook" warns that pregnant or breastfeeding and people on anticoagulant drugs should not use arnica.