Arnica : Composite family. This genus has about 30 species consisting of North American, herbaceous, perennial and rhizomatous plants; among those of herbal interest we remind the Arnica montana, a perennial herbaceous plant with flower heads, which lives in high ground. The flowers, the rhizome and the roots are used; a terpene and polyphenol drug is defined. The active principles of the drug are in fact polyphenols or tannins, terpenes, especially sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids. It is widely used in various areas for its different properties: anti-inflammatory action for external use, antirheumatic action in association with harpagophytum, antimicrobial action, and antineuralgic action for internal use.
