Arnica montana L.: Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

AbstractArnica montana, is a hemicryptophyte plant, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a medicinally significant herb that is used in traditional medicine systems in many countries. Flowers, roots, and rhizomes of Arnica are traditionally used for the topical treatments of various ailments such as bruises, sprains, backache, rheumatic arthritis, and phlebitis. Sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, fatty acids, thymol derivatives, and chlorogenic acid are the main bioactive phytochemicals. Extract and compounds from A. montana exhibited several pharmacological activities: anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplatelets, and immunomodulatory activities. Helenalin and dihydrohelinalin are mainly responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties. The clinical trial using gel, cream, oil, ointment, and homeopathic dilutions revealed significant effects in relieving postoperative pains, surgical complications, swelling, edema, and ecchymosis. Different clinical trials using randomized placebo-controlled, randomized double-blinded, and open multicenter trials against different diseases reflect the medicinal importance of this plant. The aim of this chapter is to insight knowledge about the traditional uses, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and clinical trials of the plant Arnica montana. In vitro in in vitro.Keywords Arnica montana HomeopathySesquiterpene lactonesAnti-inflammatoryPlacebo-controlled