Absolüt Arnica Gel Provides a high concentration of Arnica. Organic cultivation certified by Bio Suisse Traditionally used to soothe muscle and joint inflammation with the associated pain due to sprains and bruises. Provides symptomatic relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis in the knee and hand. Fast acting. Fresh Scent Non-Greasy Arnica isn’t just for bruising anymore! Sure, arnica is good for bruises, but did you know that it also relieves pain? Make Arnica a part of your first aid kit! This summer, play it safe! When cycling, inline skating or enjoying other sports on wheels, make sure the whole family wears a helmet and protective gear. Always follow the rules of the road, make sure to wear bright and reflective clothing, and assume motorists don’t see you. And before doing any kind of exercise, to avoid damaging your muscles, always make sure to warm up and stretch: the next day, you’ll be glad you did! We all know that self-propelled sports carry their own share of risk and injuries. Kids get bumps and bruises, and older people who are still kids at heart can trip and get hurt too. Composition Medicinal ingredient: 50% fresh Arnica tincture: 5 g gel contains tincture of: Fresh Arnica (Arnica montana L.) flower* (1:20)...2.5 g, equivalent to 0.125 g dried flower. Non-medicinal ingredients: Ethanol 94%, purified water, glycerol 85%, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer * Certified organically grown by IMO Directions of use External use only: Adults, adolescents and children : (2 years and older): Apply sparingly to affected area 3 - 4 times daily or use as a compress. Avoid rubbing. Children application should be supervised by an adult. Historical overview Arnica, also called wolfs bane or leopards bane, produces a yellow flower and is a member of the daisy family (compositaceae or asteraceae). Arnica preparations have been and still are very popular as a remedy for sprains, bruises, and various swellings. Arnica is often used in homoeopathic preparations for the same indications. The German Commission E recognizes the topical use of arnica for injuries and sequels of accidents (e.g. hematoma, sprains, contusions and edema due to fractures); rheumatic muscle and joint problems; inflammation caused by insect bites; superficial phlebitis. Actions and pharmacology An in vitro study looked into the action mechanism of Arnica montana. Its active principles (the sesquiterpenes helenanin, dihydrohelenanin and their esters) inhibit the transcription factor NF-kB, an important mediator in the early cycle on inflammation since it controls the genes for the production of the inflammation mediators such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 et TNF-á.(1) This study shows that the action of arnica takes place at the beginning of the inflammation cascade. Another in vitro study confirms this anti-inflammatory action.(2) In addition, its anti-inflammatory effect was demonstrated in mice in a test where croton oil is injected in the ear to cause inflammation. Topical application of arnica visibly reduced the inflammation.(2) Researchers from Bioforce in Switzerland compared different preparations of arnica and found that an extract made from fresh arnica is more effective on the NF-kB factor.(3) Scientific studies 23 men and 53 women suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee participated in a clinical study on Artosan arnica gel. The efficacy and tolerability of the gel was evaluated using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthitis Index) scale. The researchers noted a significant improvement of symptoms. 69 (87%) patients rated the product as very good and 76% mentioned that they would use it again.(4)Two German studies show the efficacy of arnica gel. The first one evaluated muscle soreness after intense exercise (5) and the second one, varicose vein symptoms.(6) Another study gauged arnica ointment after carpal tunnel surgery. Compared to placebo, the product significantly reduced pain after 2 weeks.(7) A multicenter, randomized double-blind study involving 174 patients suffering from polyarthrosis of the fingers showed that the efficacy of A.Vogel Atrosan Gel® with the active ingredient Arnica montana is identical to that of a gel with a five per cent concentration of the synthetic analgesic ibuprofen.(8) Precautions, contraindications and interactions For external use only. Do not apply on open wounds and broken skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not bandage. Do not apply with external heat, such as an electric heating pad, as this may result in excessive skin irritation or skin burn. Do not use if allergic to Asteraceae/ Compositae (daisy) family and in case of known allergy to any of the ingredients in the product. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Do not use if safety seal is broken. Keep out of reach of children. References 1- Lyss G, Schmidt TJ, Merfort I, Pahl HL. Helenalin, an anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactone from Arnica, selectively inhibits transcription factor NF-kB, Biol Chem 1997;378:951-961. 2- Klaas CA, Wagner G, Laufer S et al. Studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of phytopharmaceuticals prepared from Arnica flowers. Planta Med 2002 May;68(5):385-91 3- Garcia-Pineres AJ, Suter A, Weber M etal. Superior efficacy of an Arnica montana fresh plant preparation in inhibiting the transcription factor NF-kB. Bioforce Reasearch (Poster). Phytotherapy Research Conference, Glasgow, 2002 4- Knuesel O, Weber M, Suter A. Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: an open, multicenter clinical trial. Adv Ther 2002 Sep-Oct;19(5):209-18 5- Moog JB. Een medisch experimentel onderzoek naar de werkzamheid van een uitwendige toepassing van Arnica - gelei. Tijdschr Integr Geneesk 1993;9:105 112. 6- Brock FE. Arnica montana bei Venenleiden. Zschr. Phytother 1991;12:141-145. 7- Jeffrey SL, Belcher HJ. Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery. Altern Ther Health Med 2002 Mar-Apr;8(2):66-8 8- Bioforce AG. Efficacy and Safety of Topically Applied Arnica Gel compared to Ibuprofen Gel in patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hand. Sept 2004