Arnica (Arnica montana) Research
Latin Name: Arnica montana
Family: Asteraceae
Arnica is found in many immune system strengthening preparations and also has anti-inflammatory action and may reduce bruising. The plant is considered poisonous.
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.
IMMUNITY
- A blend of Echinacea angustifolia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Baptisia tinctoria and Arnica montana showed phagocytosis activity in vitro. From: Wagner, H., & Jurcic, K. (1991). Immunologic studies of plant combination preparations. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the stimulation of phagocytosis. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 41(10), 1072-1076.
ARTHRITIS
- In a 21 day randomized double blind study of 204 patients with osteoarthritis, topical application of arnica was just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain in the hand. From: Widrig, R., Suter, A., Saller, R., & Melzer, J. (2007). Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study. Rheumatology international, 27(6), 585.
- In a multicenter trial with 79 men and women with knee arthritis, an arnica gel applied twice daily was safe and effective at improving pain, stiffness, and function. From: Knuesel, O., Weber, M., & Suter, A. (2002). Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: an open, multicenter clinical trial. Advances in therapy, 19(5), 209.
PAIN & INFLAMMATION
- Based on a review of studies, arnica may be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. From: Iannitti, T., Morales-Medina, J. C., Bellavite, P., Rottigni, V., & Palmieri, B. (2016). Effectiveness and safety of Arnica montana in post-surgical setting, pain and inflammation. American journal of therapeutics, 23(1), e184-e197.
- Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.
BRUISING
- In a double blind study of twenty-nine patients undergoing rhytidectomy, arnica reduced bruising compared to placebo based on post surgery computer photos. From: Seeley, B. M., Denton, A. B., Ahn, M. S., & Maas, C. S. (2006). Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Archives of facial plastic surgery, 8(1), 54-59.
- In a double blind study involvoing 130 patients, sublingual administration of arnica the night before surgery reduced haematomas compared to placebo. From: Ramelet, A. A., Buchheim, G., Lorenz, P., & Imfeld, M. (2000). Homoeopathic arnica in postoperative haematomas: a double-blind study. Dermatology, 201(4), 347-348.
BLEEDING
- In a double blind study of 40 mothers who just gave birth, taking a blend of Arnica montana and Bellis perennis reduced blood loss postpartum compared to the placebo. From: Oberbaum, M., Galoyan, N., Lerner-Geva, L., Singer, S. R., Grisaru, S., Shashar, D., & Samueloff, A. (2005). The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study—preliminary results. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 13(2), 87-90.
Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 1/21/2020
