Sesquiterpene lactones can cause a change in their activity by binding to proteins. Due to these and other properties, these arnica ingredients may have antibacterial, mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
For example, animal experiments have shown that helenalin inhibits the activity of neutrophils (certain types of white blood cells, phagocytes) and other inflammatory mediators. In addition to sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Helenalin and dihydrohelenaline esters are also effective against pain, fungal infections, rheumatism and osteoarthritis above a certain concentration.
Arnica: side effects and interactions
Prolonged use on damaged skin may cause the appearance of edematous dermatitis (skin inflammation) with blistering and eczema.
No interactions with other agents are known to date.
