arnica

1. Any of various perennial herbs of the genus Arnica in the composite family, having opposite, simple leaves and mostly radiate heads of yellow flowers.
2. A tincture of the dried flower heads of the European species A. montana, applied externally to reduce the pain and inflammation of bruises and sprains.

[New Latin Arnica, genus name.]

Description

Arnica (Arnica montana L.), known also as leopards-bane, wolfsbane, and European arnica, is a member of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. This attractive herb is native to the mountains of Siberia and central Europe, where the leaves were smoked as a substitute for tobacco. This practice led to a common name for the herb: mountain tobacco. There are several North American species of arnica, including A. fulgens, A. sororia, and A. cordifolia. Arnica thrives in the northern mountains of the United States and Canada, in high pastures and woodlands.

Arnica grows from a cylindrical, hairy rhizome with a creeping underground stem. First year leaves are downy and grow in a flat rosette at the base of the stem. In the second year, arnica sends up a round, hairy stem with smaller, sessile leaves growing in one to three opposite pairs. This central stem may branch into three or more stems each with a terminal composite blossom. Arnica's aromatic, daisy-like flowers have 10–14 bright yellow rays, each with three notches at the end. Flower rays are irregularly bent back. The central disk is composed of tubular florets. Arnica blooms from June to August. The flowerheads, when crushed and sniffed, may cause sneezing, resulting in another of arnica's common names: sneezewort.

History

Arnica has a history of folk medicine use in many locations, including North America, Germany, and Russian. The herb has been used in folk remedies since the sixteenth century. A North American indigenous tribe, the Cataulsa, prepared a tea from arnica roots to ease back pains. The German writer Goethe credited arnica with saving his life by bringing down a persistent high fever. Arnica preparations are used extensively in Russia. Folk use there includes external treatment of wounds, black eye, sprains, and contusions. Arnica has been used in Russian folk medicine to treat uterine hemorrhage, myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, cardiac insufficiency, and in numerous other unproven applications.

General Use

Arnica flowers, fresh or dried, are used medicinally. Many herbalists consider arnica to be a specific remedy for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles. The herb is known by some as "tumbler's cure all," reflecting this common medicinal use. A compress soaked in an arnica infusion may relieve the inflammation of phlebitis. A few drops of arnica tincture added to warm water in a foot bath will relieve fatigue and soothe sore feet. A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia neurotica, an anxiety condition leading to hair loss. The very dilute homeopathic preparation ingested following a shock or muscle/soft tissue trauma is said to be beneficial. The homeopathic preparation is also used to relieve vertigo, hoarseness, and seasickness. Studies have determined that arnica has properties that act as an immunostimulant. The extract of arnica has been shown to stimulate the action of white blood cells in animal studies, increasing resistance to bacterial infections, such as salmonella.

German studies have isolated sesquiterpenoid lactones, including helenalin and dihydrohelenalin, in arnica. These compounds were found to possess the pharmacologic properties responsible for arnica's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoid glycosides, alkaloid, volatile oil, tannin, and isomeric alcohol, including arnidio and foradiol.

Arnica is approved for external use as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic by the German Commission E, an advisory panel on herbal medicines. There are over one hundred medicinal preparations using arnica extracts commercially available in Germany. In the United States, arnica is widely used in topical application for bruises, aches, sprains, and inflammations. Arnica was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from the early 1800s until 1960.

Preparations

Arnica is available commercially in the form of liniments and massage oil for external application, and in very dilute homeopathic preparations considered safe for internal use.

Harvest fully open arnica blossoms throughout the flowering season. Pick the flower heads on a sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated. Spread the blossoms on a paper-lined tray to dry in a bright and airy room away from direct sun. Temperature in the drying room should be at least 70°F (21.1°C). When the blossoms are completely dry, store in a dark glass container with an airtight lid. The dried herb will maintain medicinal potency for 12–18 months. Clearly label the container with the name of the herb and the date and place harvested.

Tincture: Combine four ounces of fresh or dried arnica flowers with one pint of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container. The alcohol should be enough to cover the flowers. The ratio should be close to 50/50 alcohol to water. Stir and cover. Place the mixture in a dark cupboard for three to five weeks. Shake the mixture several times each day. Strain and store in a tightly capped, clearly labeled, dark glass bottle. Tinctures, properly prepared and stored, will retain medicinal potency for two years or more. Arnica tincture should not be ingested without supervision of a qualified herbalist or physician.

Ointment: Simmer one ounce of dried and powdered arnica flowers with one ounce of olive oil for several hours on very low heat. Combine this medicinal oil with melted beeswax to desired consistency. Pour into dark glass jars while still warm. Seal with tightly fitting lids when cool and label appropriately.

Infusion: Place two to three teaspoons of chopped, fresh arnica blossoms in a warmed glass container. Bring two cups of fresh, nonchlorinated water to the boiling point, add it to the herbs. Cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain. The prepared tea will store for about two days in the refrigerator. The infusion may be used to bathe unbroken skin surfaces and to provide relief for rheumatic pain, chillbains, bruises, and sprains. Because of the toxicity of arnica, it is best to avoid internal use without qualified medical supervision.

Precautions

Arnica is deadly in large quantities. Do not ingest the herb or the essential oil. Do not use the undiluted essential oil externally. The extremely dilute homeopathic preparation of arnica is considered safe for internal use in proper therapeutic dosages. Overdose of arnica extract has resulted in poisoning, with toxic symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhage, even death. Use externally with caution, and only in dilute preparations. Only the homeopathic tincture can be safely ingested. Discontinue if a skin rash results, and do not use on broken skin. Research has confirmed that alcoholic extracts of arnica have a toxic action on the heart, and can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Side Effects

Arnica contains a compound known as helenalin, an allergen that may cause contact dermatitis in some persons. If a rash develops discontinue use of the herbal preparation. Prolonged external use of arnica extract in high concentrations can result in blistering, skin ulcers, and surface necroses.

Interactions

None reported.

Resources

Books

Elias, Jason and Shelagh Ryan Masline. The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies. Lynn Sonberg Book Associates, 1996.

Hoffmann, David. The New Holistic Herbal. 2d ed. Massachusetts: Element, 1986.

Kowalchik, Claire and William H. Hylton. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1987.

Lust, John. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974.

Magic And Medicine of Plants. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. 1986.

Meyer, Joseph E. The Herbalist. Clarence Meyer, 1973.

Palaise, Jean. Grandmother's Secrets, Her Green Guide to Health From Plants. NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1974.

PDR for Herbal Medicines. New Jersey: Medical Economics Company, 1998.

Phillips, Roger and Nicky Foy. The Random House Book of Herbs. New York: Random House, Inc., 1990.

Thomson, M.D., William A. R. Medicines From The Earth, A Guide to Healing Plants. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978.

Tyler, Varro E., Ph.D. Herbs Of Choice, The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: The Haworth Press, Inc., 1994.

Tyler, Varro E., Ph.D. The Honest Herbal. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1993.

Other

Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal, Arnica.

Hoffmann, David L. Herbal Materia Medica, Hyssop.

[Article by: Clare Hanrahan]

The noun has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: used especially in treating bruises

Meaning #2: any of various rhizomatous usually perennial plants of the genus Arnica

Meaning #3: an ointment used in treating bruises

This article is about the genus Arnica. Arnica may also refer to the species Arnica montana, used in herbal medicine.

Arnica
Arnica montana Ill.Koehler
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Subfamily:	Asteroideae
Tribe:	Heliantheae
Subtribe:	Madiinae
Genus:	Arnica L.
Species
See text.

Arnica (Ár-ni-ca) is a genus with about 30 perennial, herbaceous species, belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus name Arnica may be derived from the Greek arna, "lamb", in reference to the soft, hairy leaves.

This circumboreal and montane genus occurs mostly in the temperate regions of western North America, while two are native to Eurasia (A. angustifolia and A. montana).

Arnica used to be included in the tribe Senecioneae, because it has a pappus of fine bristles. This was soon questioned and Nordenstam (1977) placed it tentatively in tribe Heliantheae s.l. This arrangement also became uncertain because of the sesquiterpene lactone chemistry in certain species. Lately Arnica was placed in an unresolved clade together with Madiinae, Eupatorieae, Heliantheae s.s. and Pectidinae.

Several species, such as Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis, contain helenalin, which is a sesquiterpene lactone that is a major ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations (mostly against bruises).

Arnica species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix arnicella.

A.chamissonis

Contents 1 Characteristics 2 Arnica montana 2.1 Medicinal uses 2.2 Homeopathy 2.3 Toxicity 3 Species 4 References 5 External links 6 Gallery

Characteristics

Frigid Arnica near a training radar site in the Alaskan Interior.

They have a deep-rooted, erect stem, that is usually unbranched. Their downy, opposite leaves are borne towards the apex of the stem. The ovoid, leathery, basal leaves are arranged in a rosette.

They show large yellow or orange flowers, 6-8 cm wide with 10-15 long ray florets and numerous disc florets. The phyllaries (a bract under the flowerhead) has long spreading hairs Each phyllary is associated with a ray floret. Species of Arnica, with an involucre (a circle of bracts arranged surrounding the flower head) arranged in two rows, have only their outer phyllaries associated with ray florets. The flowers have a slight aromatic smell.

The seed-like fruit has a pappus of plumose, white or pale tan bristles. The entire plant has a strong and distinct pine-sage odor when the leaves of mature plants are rubbed or bruised.

Arnica montana

The species Arnica montana, native to Europe, has long been used medicinally, but this use has not been substantiated.^[1][2]

Medicinal uses

Arnica montana has been used medicinally for centuries.^[1] The roots contain derivatives of thymol,^[3] which are used as fungicides and preservatives and may have some anti-inflammatory effect.^[4] Arnica is currently used in liniment and ointment preparations used for strains, sprains, and bruises. Commercial arnica preparations are frequently used by professional athletes.^[5] Arnica should not be taken internally due to its toxicity, with the possible exception of homeopathic preparations that are diluted at 24X or more, since only water remains.^[6][7]

The thymol derivatives concentrated in the plants roots have been clinically shown to be effective vasodilators of subcutaneous blood capillaries.^{[citation needed]} Arnica preparations used topically have been demonstrated to act as an anti-inflammatory and assist normal healing processes by facilitating transport of blood and fluid accumulations through a dilating action of subcutaneous blood capillaries.^{[citation needed]} (Holist Nurse Pract, 2008, 22(4):237-239) In one double-blind trial, Arnica montana was found to be equally effective as the more expensive diclofenac for accelerating wound healing after foot surgery, but was less effective than the same drug for pain relief. ^[8] However, Diclofenac does not promote wound healing as it is an anti-inflammatory drug and hence this comparison is not useful. A study of wound-healing after surgery to treat varicose veins found a trend towards a beneficial effect of reduction of pain and hematoma following surgery.^[9]

Homeopathy

The homeopathic use of arnica has been found by multiple studies to be no more effective than a placebo.^[10] One trial found it to have an effect above placebo. ^[11] The fact that homeopathic studies of Arnica have even been the subject of published clinical trials has drawn criticism on the grounds that the basic premise of high dilution used in homeopathy is inherently flawed.^[12]

Toxicity

Arnica contains the toxin helenalin, which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are eaten, and contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation.^[13][14] If enough of the material is ingested, the toxin helenalin produces severe gastroenteritis, and internal bleeding of the digestive tract. ^[15]

Species

• Arnica acaulis (Walt.) B.S.P. -- Common Leopardbane
• Arnica alpina (L.) Olin -- Alpine Arnica (synonym of Arnica angustifolia subsp. alpina)
• Arnica amplexicaulis Nutt. -- Clasping Arnica, Streambank Arnica (synonym of Arnica lanceolata subsp. amplexicaulis)
• Arnica angustifolia Vahl -- Narrowleaf Arnica
  • Arnica angustifolia subsp. alpina (L.) I. K. Ferguson
  • Arnica angustifolia subsp. tomentosa Downie & Denford
• Arnica cernua T.J. Howell -- Serpentine Arnica
• Arnica chamissonis Less. -- Chamisso Arnica
  • Arnica chamissonis subsp. foliosa (Nutt.) Maguire
• Arnica cordifolia Hook. -- Heart-leaf Leopardbane, Heartleaf Arnica
• Arnica dealbata Baldwin (formerly Whitneya dealbata)
• Arnica discoidea Benth. -- Rayless Arnica
• Arnica X diversifolia Greene (pro sp.) -- Curtis Churchmouse Threeawn, Rayless Arnica, Sticky Arnica
• Arnica frigida C.A. Mey. ex Iljin -- Snow Arnica (synonym of Arnica griscomii subsp. frigida)
• Arnica fulgens Pursh -- Foothill Arnica, Orange Arnica, Shining Leopardbane
• Arnica x gracilis Rydb. -- Smallhead Arnica (a natural hybrid between A. latifolia and A. cordifolia)
• Arnica griscomii Fernald
  • Arnica griscomii subsp. frigida (C. A. Mey. ex Iljin) S. J. Wolf
  • Arnica griscomii subsp. griscomii
• Arnica lanceolata Nutt. -- Arnica, Lanceleaf Arnica
  • Arnica lanceolata subsp. amplexicaulis (Nutt.) Gruezo & Denford
  • Arnica lanceolata subsp. lanceolata Gruezo & Denford
• Arnica latifolia Bong. -- Broadleaf Arnica
• Arnica lessingii (Torr. & Gray) Greene -- Nodding Arnica
  • Arnica lessingii subsp. lessengii
  • Arnica lessingii subsp. norbergii Hult. & Maguire
• Arnica lonchophylla Greene -- Longleaf Arnica
  • Arnica lonchophylla subsp. arnoglossa (Greene) Maguire
  • Arnica lonchophylla subsp. lonchophylla
• Arnica longifolia D.C. Eat. -- Longleaf Arnica, Spearleaf Arnica
• Arnica louiseana Farr -- Lake Louise Arnica
• Arnica mallotopus (formerly Mallotopus japonicus)
• Arnica mollis Hook. -- hairy arnica, wooly arnica
• Arnica montana L. -- Mountain Arnica
• Arnica nevadensis Gray -- Nevada Arnica
• Arnica ovata Greene
• Arnica parryi Gray -- Nodding Arnica, Parry's Arnica
• Arnica rydbergii Greene -- Rydberg Arnica, Rydberg's Arnica, Subalpine Arnica
• Arnica sachalinensis (Regel) A. Gray
• Arnica sororia Greene -- Twin Arnica
• Arnica spathulata Greene -- Klamath Arnica
• Arnica unalaschcensis Less. -- Alaska Arnica
• Arnica venosa Hall -- Shasta County Arnica
• Arnica viscosa Gray -- Mt. Shasta Arnica

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Arnica in Flora of North America @ efloras.org
2. ^ Clonal propagation of Arnica montana L., a medicinal plant Authors: Buthuc-Keul, A.; Deliu, C. Source: In Vitro Cellular and Development Biology - Plant, Volume 37, Number 5, September 2001 , pp. 581-585(5) Publisher: Springer
3. ^ Weremczuk-Jezyna I, Kisiel W, Wysokińska H (2006). "Thymol derivatives from hairy roots of Arnica montana". Plant Cell Rep. 25 (9): 993–6. doi:10.1007/s00299-006-0157-y. PMID 16586074. 
4. ^ Braga PC, Dal Sasso M, Culici M, Bianchi T, Bordoni L, Marabini L (2006). "Anti-inflammatory activity of thymol: inhibitory effect on the release of human neutrophil elastase". Pharmacology 77 (3): 130–6. doi:10.1159/000093790. PMID 16763380. http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=PHA2006077003130. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
5. ^ Jenna Sumara (2006). "Arnica: the natural alternative for treating sore muscles". The Final Sprint. http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2006/12/arnica-the-natural-alternative-for-treating-sore-muscles/. Retrieved 2008-12-11. 
6. ^ "Dynamization and Dilution". Creighton University Department of Pharmacology. http://altmed.creighton.edu/Homeopathy/philosophy/dilution.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-09. 
7. ^ Vaughan, John Griffith; Patricia Ann Judd, David Bellamy (2003). The Oxford Book of Health Foods. Oxford University Press. pp. 59. ISBN 0198504594. http://books.google.com/books?id=mMl9vwVDxigC&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=%22arnica%22+homeopathic&source=web&ots=xEccdnf4ox&sig=uQu-JUHbXaEd9Ru5vJAPS9hkk0Y#PPA8,M1. 
8. ^ Jens-Hagen Karow, Hans-Peter Abt, Markus Fröhling, Hanns Ackermann, "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine", Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 17-25, Jan. 1, 2008.
9. ^ M. Wolfa, C. Tamaschkeb, W. Mayerc, M. Heger, "Wirksamkeit von Arnica bei Varizenoperation: Ergebnisse einer randomisierten, doppelblinden, Placebo-kontrollierten Pilot-Studie", Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde, Vol. 10, pp. 242-247, 2003.
10. ^ Susan Mayor, "Trial shows that homoeopathic arnica is no better than placebo", BMJ, pp. 326-303, 2003.
11. ^ Adrian Alecu, Mariana Alecu, Gabriela Mãrcus, Romeo Brezeanu, Adriana Cojocaru, "Effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Staphisagria on the time of healing of surgical wounds", International Journal of High Dilution Research, Vol. 6, No. 20, 2007.
12. ^ R.M. Youngson, "Randomized trial of homeopathic arnica", J R Soc Med, Vol. 90, No. 4, pp. 239–240, Apr. 1997.
13. ^ Poisonous Plants: Arnica montana
14. ^ Edward Rudzki, Zdzisława Grzywa (1977) Dermatitis from Arnica montana Contact Dermatitis 3 (5), 281–281. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1977.tb03682.x
15. ^ Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, ISBN 0-87842-359-1

• Maguire, B. (1943). "A monograph of the genus Arnica (Senecioneae, Compositae)". Brittonia 4: 386–510. doi:10.2307/2804900. 
• Wolf, S.J. & K.E. Denford (1984). "Taxonomy of Arnica (Compositae) subgenus Austromontana". Rhodora Journal of the New England Botanical Club 86 (847): 239–309. 
• Nordenstam, B. 1977 Senecioneae and Liabeae—systematic review. In V. H. Heywood, J. B. Harborne, and B. L. Turner [eds.], The biology and chemistry of the Compositae, vol. II, 799–830. Academic Press, London, UK
• Baldwin, B. G. (1999). "New combinations in Californian Arnica and Monolopia". Novon 9: 460–461. doi:10.2307/3392142. 
• Lyss, G., T. J. Schmidt, H. L. Pahl, and I. Merfort (1999). "Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica tincture (DAB 1998) using the transcription factor NF-kappaB as molecular target". Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Letters 9: 5–8. 
• Wolf, S. J., and K. E. Denford (1984). "Taxonomy of Arnica (Compositae) subgenus Austromontana". Rhodora 86: 239–309. 

External links

Look up arnica in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• American Botanical Council Web site Arnica information, news, and studies from The American Botanical Council
• Arnica species
• UVSC Herbarium - Arnica
• Research Article Research indicating arnica ineffective for muscle soreness due to lactic acid build-up following long distance running.

Gallery

Illustratio Arnica montana-clean.jpg Mountain Arnica (Arnica montana)

Mountain Arnica (Arnica montana)

Longleaf Arnica (Arnica longifolia)

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