Composition:
50%
tincture: 5 g gel contains Fresh organic Arnica flower tincture from
organic cultivation* (ratio 1:20) (Arnica Montana) 2.5 g. Equivalent to
0.125 g of Arnica flowers.
Non-medicinal ingredients:
Ethanol 94%, purified water, glycerol 85%, Hydroxypropyl
methylcellullose.
*CERTIFIED BY: IMO
Each g of gel contains: 500 mg of arnica flowers (arnica montana).
Dosage:
For external use only
Apply sparingly to affected areas 3 to 4 times daily, massage gently. Can
also be used as a compress.
Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Historical overview:
Arnica, also called wolfs bane or leopards bane, produces a yellow flower
and is a member of the daisy family (compositaceae or asteraceae).
Arnica preparations have been and still are very popular as a remedy for
sprains, bruises, and various swellings. Arnica is often used in
homoeopathic preparations for the same indications.
The German Commission E recognizes the topical use of arnica for injuries
and sequels of accidents (e.g. hematoma, sprains, contusions and edema due
to fractures); rheumatic muscle and joint problems; inflammation caused by
insect bites; superficial phlebitis.
Actions and pharmacology:
An in vitro study looked into the action mechanism of Arnica montana. Its
active principles (the sesquiterpenes helenanin, dihydrohelenanin and their
esters) inhibit the transcription factor NF-kB, an important mediator in the
early cycle on inflammation since it controls the genes for the production
of the inflammation mediators such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 et TNF-á.(1)
This study shows that the action of arnica takes place at the beginning of
the inflammation cascade. Another in vitro study confirms this
anti-inflammatory action.(2) In addition, its anti-inflammatory effect was
demonstrated in mice in a test where croton oil is injected in the ear to
cause inflammation. Topical application of arnica visibly reduced the
inflammation.(2) Researchers from Bioforce in Switzerland compared different
preparations of arnica and found that an extract made from fresh arnica is
more effective on the NF-kB factor.(3)
Scientific studies:
23 men and 53 women suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee participated
in a clinical study on Artosan arnica gel. The efficacy and tolerability of
the gel was evaluated using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster
Universities Osteoarthitis Index) scale. The researchers noted a significant
improvement of symptoms. 69 (87%) patients rated the product as very good
and 76% mentioned that they would use it again.(4)
Two German studies show the efficacy of arnica gel. The first one evaluated
muscle soreness after intense exercise (5) and the second one, varicose vein
symptoms.(6)
Another study gauged arnica ointment after carpal tunnel surgery. Compared
to placebo, the product significantly reduced pain after 2 weeks.(7)
Precautions, contraindications and interactions
Contraindication:
Known allergy to arnica or to asteraceae (daisy family) or
to another ingredient of the product.
For external use only. Do not apply to open wounds. Avoid contact with eyes
and mucous membranes. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Rare cases of skin irritation have been reported. A contact dermatitis may
appear in sensitive individuals.
If redness occurs or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days discontinue
use of product and consult a healthcare professional.
References:
1- Lyss G, Schmidt TJ, Merfort I, Pahl HL. Helenalin, an anti-inflammatory
sesquiterpene lactone from Arnica, selectively inhibits transcription factor
NF-kB, Biol Chem 1997;378:951-961.
2- Klaas CA, Wagner G, Laufer S et al. Studies on the anti-inflammatory
activity of phytopharmaceuticals prepared from Arnica flowers. Planta Med
2002 May;68(5):385-91
3- Garcia-Pineres AJ, Suter A, Weber M etal. Superior efficacy of an Arnica
montana fresh plant preparation in inhibiting the transcription factor NF-kB.
Bioforce Reasearch (Poster). Phytotherapy Research Conference, Glasgow, 2002
4- Knuesel O, Weber M, Suter A. Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the
knee: an open, multicenter clinical trial. Adv Ther 2002
Sep-Oct;19(5):209-18
5- Moog JB. Een medisch experimentel onderzoek naar de werkzamheid van een
uitwendige toepassing van Arnica - gelei. Tijdschr Integr Geneesk 1993;9:105
112.
6- Brock FE. Arnica montana bei Venenleiden. Zschr. Phytother
1991;12:141-145.
7- Jeffrey SL, Belcher HJ. Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel
release surgery. Altern Ther Health Med 2002 Mar-Apr;8(2):66-8
The statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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