Symptom → Plant Sources
Arnica (Arnica montana) as a tool for helping with Wounds
inferred from vulnerary action
Objectives Arnica montana is a widely used therapeutic plant used traditionally to treat various ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the botany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology along with special emphasis given on pharmacological activity of plant A. montana. Key findings The plant extracts have been reported to possess antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immunomodulatory activity. A wide range of chemical compounds including sesquiterpene lactones and their short-chain carbonic acid esters, flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils, diterpenes, arnidiol, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans and oligosaccharides, etc., are found in different parts of the plant. Summary It has been scrutinized that extensive research has been carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of flowers of the plant. Therefore, investigations should be carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of other parts of the plant for better therapeutic utilization.
1 source supporting Arnica for Wounds. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's antimicrobial, vulnerary (wound healing) actions. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Supercritical CO2 extraction of Arnica montana flower heads was optimised to obtain extracts with confirmed antimicrobial and anticancer activity, supporting the antimicrobial use of arnica.
Topical Arnica montana gel combined with microcurrent accelerated dermis reorganisation during the repair of incisional skin lesions in rats, supporting the vulnerary use of arnica.
In a randomized controlled trial, perioperative Arnica montana objectively reduced postoperative ecchymosis (bruising) after rhinoplasty surgery, supporting the antiecchymotic/vulnerary use of arnica.