Abstract
This open multicenter trial investigated the safety and efficacy of anArnica montana fresh plant gel, applied twice daily, in 26 men and 53 women with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. After 3 and 6 weeks, significant decreases in median total scores on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were evident in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations (both P<.0001). Scores on the pain, stiffness, and function subscales also showed significant reductions at these timepoints. The overall local adverse-event rate of 7.6% included only one allergic reaction. Sixty-nine patients (87%) rated the tolerability of the gel as “good” or “fairly good,” and 76% would use it again. Topical application ofArnica montana gel for 6 weeks was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate OA of the knee.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lawrence RC, Helmick CG, Arnett FC, et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and selected musculoskeletal disorders in the United States.Arthritis Rheum. 1998;43:778–799.
Dequeker J, Dieppe PA. Disorders of bone cartilage and connective tissue. In: Klippel JH, Dieppe PA, eds.Rheumatology. 2nd ed. London: Mosby; 1998:24–25.
Wolfe MM, Lichtenstein DR, Singh G. Gastrointestinal toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.N Engl J Med. 1999;340(24):1888–1899.
Bolten W, et al. Konsequenzen und Kosten der NSA-Gastropathie in Deutschland.Akt Rheurnatol. 1999;24:127–134.
Mayer JG, Czygan F-C.Arnica montana L., oder Bergwohlverleih.Z Phytother. 2000;21:30–36.
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytomedicine (ESCOP).Arnica flos. July 1997.
Lyss G, Schmidt TJ, Merfort I, Pahl HL. Helenalin, an anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactone from Arnica, selectively inhibits transcription factor NF-gkB.Biol Chem. 1997;378:951–961.
Moog JB. Een medisch experimentel onderzoek naar de werkzamheid van een uitwendige toepassing van Arnica-gelei.Tijdschr Integr Geneesk. 1993;9:105–112.
Brock FE.Arnica montana bei Venenleiden.Z Phytother. 1991;12:141–145.
Hausen BM. Arnikaallergie.Hausarzt. 1980;31:10–17.
Hausen BM. A 6-year experience with compositae mix.Am J Contact Dermat. 1996;7:94–99.
Bellamy N.WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. User Guide IV. 2000.
Moore RA, Tramér MR, Carroll D, Wiffen PJ, McQuay HJ. Quantitative systemic review of topically applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.BMJ. 1998;316:333–338.
Heyneman CA. Oral versus topical NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases.Drugs. 2000;60:555–574.
Reider N, Komericki P, Hausen BM, Fritsch P, Aberer W. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitisation to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.).Contact Dermatitis. 2001;45:269–272.
Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products.Points to Consider on Clinical Investigation of Medicinal Products Used in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. London: CPMP; July 23, 1998.
Food and Drug Administration.Clinical Development Programs for Drugs, Devices, and Biological Products Intended for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Draft Guidance. Washington, DC: FDA; July 1999.
Grace D, Rogers J, Skeith K, Anderson K. Topical diclofenac versus placebo: a double blind, randomized clinical trial in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.J Rheumatol. 1999;26: 2659–2663.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Knuesel, O., Weber, M. & Suter, A. Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: An open, multicenter clinical trial. Adv Therapy 19, 209–218 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850361
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850361