Arnica montana and its medicinal value in the light of scientific research

Arnica montana is a plant that has been used in medicine for hundreds of years. Currently it is used in phytotherapy as topical remedies (gels, ointments, liquids with extract from dried arnica flowers) and in homeopathy, in which oral application is also allowed (various dilutions of TM tincture from fresh planta tota). The aim of this work was to summarize the literature data on the importance of arnica and its products in phytotherapy on the background of its homeopathic applications, considering the chemical composition, pharmacological and biological activity, mechanisms of action, and the results of clinical trials. The results of biochemical and pharmacological research confirm the benefits of allopathic arnica products as anti-inflammatory agents. The mechanism of action is mostly based on the presence of two groups of biologically active substances: sesquiterpene lactones – helenalin, dihydrohelenalin and their esters, as well as polyphenolic compounds that enhance their activity. Clinical trials confirm the efficacy of analyzed arnica products in the treatment of muscle-skeletal system disorders of various etiology, including both sport injuries and rheumatic disorders. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of arnica is also associated with other biological activities, especially anti-oedema, anti-rheumatic, antioxidant, and beneficial influence on blood vessels. Recently published papers report also a promising potential of arnica in other indications, including treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The presented review of scientific reports indicates that A. montana products constitute a source of valuable biologically active compounds, and as a result, an effective remedy for inflammatory ailments of different etiology (sport injuries, rheumatic disorders). In addition to the well-established use of arnica as an anti-inflammatory agent, the results of recent years' research expand the therapeutic potential of the plant raw material with new possible applications and directions of action

TLC-densitometric analysis of allantoin in Symphytum officinale L. roots

A TLC-densitometric method for determination of allantoin in Symphytum officinale root was developed. Densitometric quantification of allantoin was carried out on TLC Si60 plates with butanol-50 % methanol-formic acid, 66.5:33.2:0.3 (V/V/V) as developing solvent, at a wavelength of 190 nm. The method was preliminarily validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery and robustness. The results of TLC quantification were compared with HPLC analysis carried out on a HILIC Luna NH2 100A column, with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-water 80:20 (V/V) and UV detection at 190 and 210 nm. Allantoin content was determined in two herbal products and it varied from 0.94 to 2.09 %, depending on the producer, and was in agreement with literature reports

HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS comparison of the chemical composition of flowers from two Arnica species grown in Poland

Introduction: Arnica flowers are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. According to EMA only endangered Arnica montana provides the medicinal plant material. However, some European countries also allow the use of A. chamissonis flowers, whose chemical composition is not known in detail

TLC-densitometric analysis of allantoin in Symphytum officinale L. roots

A TLC-densitometric method for determination of allantoin in Symphytum officinale root was developed. Densitometric quantification of allantoin was carried out on TLC Si60 plates with butanol-50 % methanol/formic acid, 66.5:33.2:0.3 (V/V/V) as developing solvent, at a wavelength of 190 nm. The method was preliminarily validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery and robustness. The results of TLC quantification were compared with HPLC analysis carried out on a HILIC Luna NH2 100A column, with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/water 80:20 (V/V) and UV detection at 190 and 210 nm. Allantoin content was determined in two herbal products and it varied from 0.94 to 2.09 %, depending on the producer, and was in agreement with literature reports

HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS Analysis of Arnica TM Constituents

The herbal drugs obtained from Arnica montana flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory activity. However, there is no detailed data on chemical constituents of the whole Arnica plant. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis of the whole Arnica montana plant (Arnica TM), used in the preparation of allopathic and homeopathic medicinal products, has been conducted. The qualitative and quantitative analysis comprised phenolic acids, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones – helenalin and dihydrohelenaline esters identified earlier in Arnica flowers. The analyzed material showed to be a rich source of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives, especially 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid. According to the literature data, anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from the whole Arnica montana plant can be due to CQA presence as dominating compounds