Review on Flos Arnicae: Phytochemical Screening, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Applications

The dried flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae) is called Flos Arnicae. The other names of Flos Arnicae are Arnique, Arnika, betouana, mountain tobacco. This review aims to focus on phytochemical screening, chemical constituents, and pharmacological applications of Flos Arnicae. Carthamus tinctorius plant is indigenous to central Europe, but it is cultivated all over the world. The Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) is a perennial, branched and herbaceous. The main ingredients of Flos Arnicae include the essential oil (0.5%), fatty acids, thymol, pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones (0.2-0.8%), and flavonoid glycosides (0.2-0.6%). It is applied in treating pain and inflammation from minor injuries and accidents such as bruises, ecchymosis, hematomas, and petechiae. Flos Arnicae treats cardiovascular disease, indigestion, and rheumatism, and it is also applied as an emmenagogue. The pharmacological effect of Flos Arnicae includes experimental and clinical pharmacology. Experimental pharmacology includes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, choleretic, and uterine stimulant effects. Clinical pharmacology includes antianxiety, antidepressant, analgesic, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects. Flos Arnicae is used externally on the affected area 2 or 3 times/ day. In rabbits or mice, or rats, the Flos Arnicae is tested and found not toxic in acute toxicity studies. In mice and guinea pig skin, the Flos Arnicae is not irritating, sensitizing, or phototoxic. In 100 cosmetic preparations, the Flos Arnicae is found. There is not any significant ocular irritation after Flos Arnicae exposure. In conclusion, Flos Arnicae has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, choleretic, uterine stimulant, antianxiety, antidepressant, analgesic, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects.