Abstract
Arnica montana is a medicinal plant native to Europe and used topically to treat contusions, inflammations, and muscular aches. Studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of this plant, which can be attributed to the presence of lactones. Its use in Brazil has traditionally been substituted by the species Solidago chilensis, which demonstrates similar therapeutic activity but is more adapted to a tropical climate. It is known that S. chilensis can be used as a substitute for A. montana as they both contain similar active compounds. We acquired eight different commercial brands of “arnica” sold in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, in 2013. The analyses of these products were divided into four categories: labeling, macroscopic, microscopic, and microchemical analysis. Labeling analysis followed RDCs (“Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada”) standards (10/2010 through 26/2014). The morphological analyses were performed using microscopic techniques and were followed by microchemical analyses. Our results indicated that none of the samples were in complete conformity with labeling standards, the material was poorly conserved, contaminants were abundantly present, the species were incorrectly identified, and the directions of use were inadequate and potentially dangerous to human health.
Highlights
Arnica montana Linné is a medicinal plant native to Europe that demonstrates antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity and is used topically for treating contusions, inflammations, and muscular pain due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones of the helenalin type (LORENZI; MATOS, 2008; HALL, 1979; LYSS et al, 1997; BARNES; ANDERSON; PHILLIPSON, 2012)
Its use in Brazil has been traditionally substituted by the species Solidago chilensis Meyen, known as Solidago microglossa DC, which is more adapted to a tropical climate and demonstrates similar anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of similar chemical constituents (LORENZI; MATOS, 2008; THE PLANT LIST, 2016; GASTALDI et al, 2018; ATHAYDE et al, 2019, KELLY; OLIVEIRA; VALVERDE, 2020)
The labeling information on the products was evaluated under the discipline of RDC no 10 de 2010 (BRAZIL, 2010), which regulates the notification of plant medicines to the National Agency of Public Health (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária – ANVISA)
Summary
Arnica montana Linné is a medicinal plant native to Europe that demonstrates antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity and is used topically for treating contusions, inflammations, and muscular pain due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones of the helenalin type (LORENZI; MATOS, 2008; HALL, 1979; LYSS et al, 1997; BARNES; ANDERSON; PHILLIPSON, 2012). Its use in Brazil has been traditionally substituted by the species Solidago chilensis Meyen, known as Solidago microglossa DC, which is more adapted to a tropical climate and demonstrates similar anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of similar chemical constituents (LORENZI; MATOS, 2008; THE PLANT LIST, 2016; GASTALDI et al, 2018; ATHAYDE et al, 2019, KELLY; OLIVEIRA; VALVERDE, 2020). There are, no clinical studies condemning the use of Solidago chilensis by oral ingestion – nor studies that demonstrate the safety of that form of use
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