DETERMINATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE PLANT ARNICA MONTANA

Arnica montana (also called wolf’s bane) is a tall perineal plant with large yellow flowers that belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae and is widespread across Europe. Arnica montana is used in small oral doses in homeopathic medicine and in low doses as treatment for pain, inflammation and fever, most often post-surgery or trauma. It is also used more conventionally as a topical medication for wound healing, swelling, inflammation, bruising and pain. However, there is little evidence for its efficacy either as an oral homeopathic or a topical herbal therapy. The FDA classifies Arnica montana as an unsafe herb and cautions against using it orally or applied to broken skin where absorption can occur.