Arnica
Mountain tobacco
Arnica, commonly known as mountain arnica, is a perennial herb celebrated for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Frequently used in topical salves and ointments, it excels at soothing muscle aches, reducing bruising, and easing swelling. This resilient wildflower remains a staple in natural remedies for supporting physical recovery and healing.
- Scientific name: Arnica
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, the medicinal specimen is categorized under the genus Arnica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Arnica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by several different common names depending on the language, including Купальнік in Belarusian, Arnika in German, guldblomme in Danish, Arniko in Ido, and Arnika in Estonian.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| be | Купальнік | Wikidata |
| de | Arnika | Wikidata |
| da | guldblomme | Wikidata |
| io | Arniko | Wikidata |
| et | Arnika | Wikidata |
| cs | prha | Wikidata |
| fi | arnikit | Wikidata |
| az | Öküzotu | Wikidata |
| ru | арника | Wikidata |
| nn | Solblomslekta | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the territories of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Moving toward the center of the continent, its range extends into Middle Europe. Specifically, the species is documented within the borders of Austria. These locations highlight its preference for various northern and central European climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Arnica, utilizes various components for its medicinal and botanical identification. The therapeutic properties are often associated with the whole inflorescences, which consist of vibrant, daisy-like flower heads. The structural integrity of the plant is supported by its upright shoots, which emerge from a robust system of roots that store essential nutrients. Upon closer botanical inspection, the reproductive structures reveal a delicate pappus and calyx that protect the developing seeds, while the ovary serves as the critical site for seed formation.- Total parts
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole inflorescences | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| shoots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pappus calyx | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovary | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower heads | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corolla | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| achenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Arnica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 11alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin, Helenalin, chamissonolid.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 11alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Helenalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chamissonolid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Arnica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiprotozoal.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiprotozoal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |