Arnica planta tota is superior to Arnica flos with regard to anti-inflammatory properties

Introduction Arnica montana L. is traditionally indicated for treatment of blunt injuries like tissue damage, strains and bruises that are physiologically accompanied by local inflammatory processes. These include influx of inflammatory immune cells, activation of the NF-κB pathway and the release of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins that are produced by 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2, as part of the arachidonic acid pathway.

Aim We aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ethanolic extracts from A. planta tota and A. flos.

Method Dry extracts from A. montana L., planta tota and A. flos were prepared using liquid extracts from A. planta tota, fresh plant or A. flos, fresh flowers (DER 1 : 2, 30% ethanol (m/m)). NF-κB activation was analysed in a reporter assay with the human Jurkat cell line. Stimulated human PMNLs or monocytes were used for analysis of 5-lipoxygenase product formation and PGE₂ release.

Results A. planta tota and A. flos concentration-dependently inhibited NF-κB activation (IC₅₀: 15.4 µg/ml and 52.5 µg/ml, respectively), and PGE2 release from monocytes (IC₅₀: 26.7 µg/ml and 105.4 µg/ml). In contrast 5-lipoxygenase product formation in PMNLs was inhibited by A. planta tota but not A. flos (IC₅₀: 59.3 µg/ml and >300 µg/ml). Thus, the Weleda Arnica planta tota extract demonstrated superior inhibition of NF-κB activation and release of pro-inflammatory and pain-related mediators.

Conclusion In this experimental approach the complex mixture of active compounds contained in the complete Arnica plant improved the anti-inflammatory and pain-related efficacy that is already known for Arnica flowers ([Fig. 1]). However, further studies are required to further characterise potential therapeutic advantages of Arnica planta tota preparations.

Fig. 1