[Arnica: new insights on the molecular mode of action of a traditional medicinal plant]

Abstract

Preparations from Arnica flowers have been used in traditional medicine since a long time for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Sesquiterpene lactones are considered as their main active compounds. Previously, it was shown that these natural products attack inflammatory processes at a very central point by inhibiting the transcription factors NF-kappa B and NF-AT at micromolar concentrations. Both transcription factors regulate the transcription of genes encoding for many inflammatory mediators. Thus, these new insights on their molecular mode of action are an important contribution for a better understanding of the antiinflammatory activity of preparations from Arnica. First clinical studies show that they can support the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The agreed use is important to avoid undesirable side effects.