Aboslut Arnica Gel
Arthritis and Rheumatism Relief

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Indications:

Relief of rheumatic symptoms (joint and muscle pain), bruises, trauma
(e.g. sprains), muscle pain following exercise.

Composition:

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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