Meno Power by Sprayology

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Osteoarthritis. Topical arnica gel might reduce osteoarthritis pain. Details: One open-label clinical trial shows that applying arnica gel (A. Vogel Arnica Gel, Bioforce AG) twice daily for 3 weeks decreases total symptom scores, including pain, stiffness, and restriction-of-function, when compared to baseline (19112). A larger randomized clinical trial shows that applying the same gel is as effective as ibuprofen for reducing the intensity of pain and improving hand function (19108).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Although there is interest in using topical arnica for acne, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of arnica for this purpose.
• Bleeding. It is unclear if oral arnica reduces bleeding after surgery. Details: A small clinical study in patients undergoing total mastectomy for breast cancer suggests that sublingual treatment with 5 drops of a homeopathic preparation of arnica extract (Arnica 1000 K) three times daily for 6 days might reduce the volume of blood and serum drainage by 95 mL over 5 days when compared with placebo (96769). However, because this product is a dilute homeopathic preparation, there is unlikely to be any arnica in the doses given. There is speculation that the slightly higher mean weight of the patients in the arnica group, rather than any effects of arnica itself, might have led to the statistically significant findings (96768).
• Breast cancer-related hot flashes. Oral homeopathic arnica has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A clinical study in females with non-metastatic breast cancer treated with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor shows that taking a specific homeopathic medicine (Actheane, Laboratories Boiron) daily for 3 months does not reduce hot flashes when compared with placebo. This product contains 4CH each of arnica, black cohosh, bloodroot, and nitroglycerin and 5CH of snake Lachesis muta (103004).
• Bruises. Most small clinical trials show that neither topical nor oral arnica reduces postoperative bruising. Details: Most clinical research shows that topical products containing arnica 10%, as well as homeopathic oral products such as tablets, globules, and capsules, are not effective for reducing postoperative bruising (19107,19119,19120,19121,19122,19123,19124,90611,96769,96772). However, some conflicting research shows benefit. One clinical study shows that applying arnica 20% ointment 0.25 grams twice daily for 2 weeks reduces laser-induced bruising when compared to white petrolatum ointment (19125). Another clinical study shows that applying a specific arnica cream (Arnica Krem 75 g, MediTech) four times daily reduces periorbital bruising in the first week after rhinoplasty when compared with no local treatment (96773). One small study has also evaluated oral homeopathic arnica. In females undergoing a face-lift, taking a specific homeopathic oral arnica product (SinEcch, Alpine Pharmaceuticals) may reduce bruising on postoperative days 1 and 7 when compared with placebo (19124).
• Diabetic retinopathy. Small clinical studies suggest that oral homeopathic arnica may reduce symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Details: Two preliminary clinical trials in patients with diabetic retinopathy associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes shows that taking three pearls of homeopathic arnica 5C orally for 6 months might modestly improve measures of vision when compared with placebo (19110,19111).
• Dry eye. It is unclear if eye drops containing arnica extract can improve dry eye in children. Details: A small observational study in children aged 9-14 years with dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis suggests that applying eye drops containing hyaluronic acid 0.2% and arnica extract 0.1% three times daily for four weeks is associated with improvements in subjective and objective measures of dry eye severity when compared to baseline. Improvements in these outcomes were smaller and mostly non-significant in patients using eye drops containing hyaluronic acid only (111421). The validity of these findings is limited by a lack of between-group analysis and randomization.
• Exercise-induced muscle soreness. Small studies suggest that oral homeopathic arnica does not reduce muscle soreness after exercise. It is unclear if topical arnica is beneficial. Details: Despite some conflicting evidence (19135), most clinical research shows that taking homeopathic arnica formulations orally does not prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness (19129,19130,19131,19132,19133). Research on the use of topical arnica formulations is conflicting. One small study in trained athletes shows that using a gel containing 25 mg of dry arnica herb on muscles immediately after a run and then every 4 hours while awake for 5 days improves muscle tenderness and pain by a small amount after 3 days, but not at other time points, when compared with placebo (90612). However, another small study suggests that applying arnica 7% cream (Boiron Group) increases muscle pain following calf raises when compared with placebo (17113).
• Postoperative swelling. It is unclear if topical arnica reduces swelling after surgery. Details: One clinical study shows that applying arnica 10% ointment following blepharoplasty does not reduce postoperative swelling when compared with using a placebo ointment (96772). However, lower quality studies have yielded more promising results. One small clinical study shows that applying a specific arnica cream (Arnica Krem 75 g, MediTech) four times daily reduces swelling by a small amount in the first week after rhinoplasty when compared with no local treatment (96773). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a placebo control. A small retrospective study suggests that using a topical homeopathic preparation containing arnica 50M and marsh tea 50M (OcuMend, Cearna Inc.) is associated with reduced postoperative swelling after oculofacial surgery (96770); however, this study is limited by poor design (96771).
• Postoperative pain. Findings related to the use of oral homeopathic arnica are mixed; most studies utilizing a placebo control have yielded negative results. Details: Many small clinical studies show that taking homeopathic arnica preparations orally modestly reduces postoperative pain following tonsillectomy, knee surgery, and carpal tunnel release when compared with baseline or control. Most studies have used homeopathic arnica in dilutions of 30C, 30X, D6, or D4, for up to two weeks postoperatively (19102,19114,19115,19116). In one study, oral homeopathic arnica has been used along with arnica 5% ointment from 72 hours after surgery for up to 2 weeks (19116). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a placebo comparator. Studies utilizing a placebo or active control have not yielded positive results. Clinical research in patients recovering from carpal tunnel surgery shows that taking a homeopathic Arnica montana solution by mouth is no more effective than taking placebo for reducing postoperative pain and bruising (19107). Other clinical research shows that taking homeopathic arnica 30C for 5 days after total abdominal hysterectomy does not reduce postoperative pain when compared with placebo and usual treatment (19117). Also, homeopathic arnica D4 is inferior to diclofenac following bunion surgery (109102). Some clinical research in patients recovering from a knee ligament reconstruction shows that a homeopathic solution containing Arnica montana 5 CH, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Hypericum perforatum 5 CH, and Ruta graveolens 3 DH is no more effective than placebo for reducing analgesic use (32413).
• Postoperative recovery. It is unclear if oral homeopathic arnica is beneficial for postoperative recovery. Details: One meta-analysis of small- to moderate-sized clinical trials shows that taking homeopathic arnica does not improve postoperative recovery when compared with controls. Recovery endpoints were combined and included pain, swelling, bruising, wound healing, and others (109061).
• Stroke. A small study suggests that oral homeopathic arnica does not improve outcomes after stroke. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking one tablet of arnica 30C sublingually every 2 hours for six doses doesn't benefit stroke patients (19126). Endpoints included level of consciousness, mobility, incontinence, social performance, and mental state.
• Tooth extraction. It is unclear if oral homeopathic arnica improves symptoms after tooth extraction in adults or children. Details: A small clinical trial in children aged 8-12 years undergoing two sessions of tooth extraction in different parts of the mouth shows that taking homeopathic arnica 30 minutes prior to the procedure, and then 3 times daily for 72 hours, is as effective as taking ibuprofen for reducing patient-reported and operator-assessed pain levels 24 hours after extraction. However, 48 hours after extraction, ibuprofen was more effective. Each child was provided with both arnica and weight-based doses of ibuprofen in a crossover manner while undergoing two sessions of tooth extraction in different parts of the mouth ten days apart (109224). A small observational study in adults undergoing third molar extractions suggests that taking homeopathic arnica 30X (Hyland's Inc.) 4 tablets before the procedure and then 4 tablets four times daily for 4 days after the procedure is associated with less pain, bleeding, and swelling when compared with standard treatment alone (105062). However, the validity of this study is limited by the lack of a placebo control. More evidence is needed to rate arnica for these uses.

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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Dental plaque. Some preliminary clinical research shows that bloodroot extract may reduce plaque. Using a toothpaste containing bloodroot and zinc chloride (Viadent Original, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) or a similar toothpaste containing bloodroot, zinc chloride, and fluoride (Viadent Fluoride toothpaste, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) along with a mouth rinse containing bloodroot and zinc (Viadent Oral Rinse, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) daily for 6 months appears to reduces plaque index scores compared with control paste and rinse formulations in adults with moderate plaque and gingival inflammation (36672,36675). Bloodroot extract also appears to reduce the regrowth of plaque following dental cleaning when used with no other oral hygiene. Manual rinsing with a particular product containing bloodroot extract 300 mcg/mL (Viadent Oral Rinse) or supragingival irrigation with a solution containing bloodroot extract 22.5 mcg/mL for 14 days after a professional tooth cleaning appears to inhibit plaque growth compared with a placebo rinse (36697,36701). Other clinical evidence suggests that bloodroot extract prevents plaque development during orthodontic treatment. Using a specific toothpaste (Viadent toothpaste, Viadent Inc., Fort Collins, CO) containing bloodroot extract 750 mcg/gram along with a specific mouth rinse (Viadent Oral Rinse, Viadent Inc., Fort Collins, CO) containing bloodroot extract 300 mcg/mL three times daily for 6 months appears to reduce the development of plaque compared with placebo in adolescent orthodontic patients (36687).
• Gingivitis. Some preliminary clinical research shows that bloodroot may reduce gingivitis. Using a toothpaste containing bloodroot and zinc chloride (Viadent Original, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) or a similar toothpaste containing bloodroot, zinc chloride, and fluoride (Viadent Fluoride toothpaste, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) along with a mouth rinse containing bloodroot and zinc (Viadent Oral Rinse, Vipont Pharmaceuticals, Fort Collins, CO) daily for 6 months appears to reduces gingival index scores and bleeding upon probing compared with control paste and rinse formulations in adults with moderate plaque and gingival inflammation (36672,36675). However, some recent clinical evidence suggests that using toothpaste containing bloodroot extract 750 mcg/mL plus 2% zinc chloride along with a mouth rinse containing 300 mcg/mL plus 0.2% zinc chloride does not improve plaque index scores, gingival index scores, or probing depths in patients with gingivitis (36707). Bloodroot extract also appears to reduce the gingivitis development following dental cleaning when used with no other oral hygiene. Manual rinsing with a particular product containing bloodroot extract 300 mcg/mL (Viadent Oral Rinse) or supragingival irrigation with a solution containing bloodroot extract 22.5 mcg/mL for 14 days following professional tooth cleaning appears to inhibit gingivitis development compared with a placebo rinse (36697,36701). Other clinical evidence suggests that bloodroot extract may prevent gingivitis development during orthodontic treatment. Using a specific toothpaste (Viadent toothpaste, Viadent Inc., Fort Collins, CO) containing bloodroot extract 750 mcg/gram along with a specific mouth rinse (Viadent Oral Rinse, Viadent Inc., Fort Collins, CO) containing bloodroot extract 300 mcg/mL three times daily for 6 months appears to reduce the development of gingival inflammation and sulcular bleeding compared with placebo in adolescent orthodontic patients (36687).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Periodontitis. Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that using a toothpaste containing 0.075% bloodroot extract plus 2.0% zinc chloride along with a mouth rinse containing 0.03% bloodroot extract plus 0.2% zinc chloride twice daily for 2 weeks following debridement and treatment with chlorhexidine 0.2% oral rinse for 2 weeks significantly lowers gingival index scores and number of bleeding sites, but not plaque index scores, compared to treatment with fluoride-containing toothpaste/mouth rinse in patients with periodontitis (36665). More evidence is needed to rate bloodroot for these uses.

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There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of Salvia divinorum.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Arnica has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use as a food flavoring in the US (4912). However, Canadian regulations do not allow its use as a food ingredient (12). ...when used orally in homeopathic dilutions of 30C and up to 5C (19110,19111,19117,19124,19126,96769). ...when used topically on unbroken skin, short-term (12).

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or when applied topically to broken skin. Arnica is considered poisonous and has caused severe or fatal poisonings (5). Arnica can cause gastroenteritis, muscle paralysis, bleeding, arrhythmia, hypertension, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, multi-organ failure, and death (4,5,17,104,19101,19102,19103,19104,19105,19106,19107,19108).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally or topically; avoid using (12).

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately short-term (4).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when excessive doses are used orally. The bloodroot constituent sanguinarine, although thought to be poorly absorbed, is a toxic alkaloid (6,12). ...when applied topically. Use of toothpaste or mouthwash containing bloodroot has been associated with an increased risk of developing oral leukoplakia (36666,36668). When applied to the skin, bloodroot paste causes pain, skin erosion, and a thick scab called an eschar which falls off leaving an indented scar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that patients avoid bloodroot containing topical products such as "black salve" (53499,95442,95444,95445,95446).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally (12); avoid using.

LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally (4); avoid using.

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POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally or by inhalation. Salvia divinorum contains a potent hallucinogen and has been shown to cause serious adverse effects including slurred speech, confusion, paranoia, depersonalization, blunted affect, hallucinations, and psychosis (7350,7351,15820,15821,72901,100001,100002).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, arnica might have additive effects with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Homeopathic arnica preparations are unlikely to have this interaction.  Details In vitro evidence shows that sesquiterpene lactones in arnica flowers can decrease platelet aggregation (104). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

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General ...Orally, arnica is unsafe and can cause toxicity. When used in homeopathic amounts, arnica seem to be generally well tolerated. Topically, arnica also seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Bleeding, gastroenteritis, hypertension, muscle paralysis, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath.
Topically: Contact dermatitis and irritation.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Arrhythmia, coma, multi-organ failure, and death.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, arnica can cause tachycardia or a faster heart rate (11,17113,19101,19102). A 24-year-old female presented to the emergency department with palpitations and vomiting 24 hours after ingesting a cup of tea that reportedly contained arnica flowers picked from her local area of mountainous Southern California. The species was not specified in the article and there was no indication by the authors that any testing had been done to confirm the identity of the plant (90610).

Dermatologic ...Orally, arnica can cause irritation of mucous membranes (11,17113). Topically, arnica can cause contact itchiness, dry skin, and rash (17113). Oral lesions resulted in a woman who used a mouthwash incorrectly by not following dilution instructions. The mouthwash was 70% alcohol and contained arnica and oil of peppermint (19106).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, arnica can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (11,17113,19101,19102). Homeopathic arnica has been reported to cause dry mouth (30C) and sore tongue (6C) (19107). A 24-year-old female presented to the emergency department with palpitations and vomiting 24 hours after ingesting a cup of tea that reportedly contained arnica flowers picked from her local area of mountainous Southern California. The species was not specified in the article and there was no indication by the authors that any testing had been done to confirm the identity of the plant (90610).

Musculoskeletal ...Adverse effects after ingesting arnica include muscle weakness (19101). Homeopathic arnica has been reported to result in the feeling of a "throbby" head or neck (19107).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, arnica may cause drowsiness, nervousness, and headache (11,17113,19101,19107).

Ocular/Otic ...In a case report, accidental intake of a large amount of a homeopathic Arnica-30 resulted in acute vision loss due to bilateral toxic optic neuropathy (19105).

Psychiatric ...Oral homeopathic arnica (6C) may cause depressed feelings, specifically a feeling of unhappiness (19107).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, arnica can cause shortness of breath (11,17113).

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General ...Orally, bloodroot is generally well tolerated when used in appropriate doses, short term (4). Nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system depression have been reported. Higher oral doses can result in glaucoma, hypotension, shock, and coma (6,12). Long term use of bloodroot toothpaste or mouthwash has been associated with leukoplakia, keratoses of the mouth, impaired taste, and staining of the tongue, teeth, and fillings (36666,36668,36707). Topically, skin contact with fresh bloodroot can cause irritation or contact dermatitis (19). Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes because of its irritant properties.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, high doses of bloodroot may cause hypotension (6).

Dermatologic ...Topically, skin contact with fresh bloodroot can cause irritation or contact dermatitis (19). Topical application of bloodroot can corrode skin and produce a thick dry scab called an eschar which falls off and results in a depressed scar. There are numerous cases of patients applying bloodroot salves topically for 3-4 hours daily for 3-12 days to skin cancers, moles and blemishes. These patients report experiencing severe pain, burning, skin erosion, and scarring (53499,95442,95444,95445,95446).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, bloodroot may cause nausea and vomiting (12). Some research shows that bloodroot-containing toothpastes and mouth rinses can be used for up to six months without evidence of adverse effects (36679). However observational research has found an association between chronic use of bloodroot toothpaste or mouthwash and leukoplakia or keratoses of the mouth and lip. Discontinuing these products did not always result in a resolution of leukoplakia (36666,36668). Prolonged use of bloodroot oral rinse causes impaired sensation of taste, as well as staining of the tongue, teeth, and fillings. The impaired taste and staining do seem to resolve after discontinuation of the bloodroot rinse (36707).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, bloodroot may cause CNS depression. High oral doses may cause shock and coma (6).

Ocular/Otic ...There are reports of worsening vision after small oral doses of bloodroot (36680). Glaucoma has been reported after high oral doses of bloodroot (6). However, some experts disagree that oral use of bloodroot causes ocular toxicity (36680). Direct contact of bloodroot with the eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided because of its irritant properties.

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General ...Orally or by inhalation, Salvia divinorum can cause hallucinogenic effects. These include restlessness, hyperactivity, disorientation, loss of coordination, dizziness, slurred speech, altered perceptions, changes in perception of body temperature, personal detachment or distorted body ownership, fatigue, severe mood changes, and psychosis. Most of these effects resolve within 20 minutes; however, some effects might last longer (7350,7351,15820,72901,100001,100002).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, Salvia divinorum can cause nausea (7350).

Neurologic/CNS ...Neurologic changes caused by Salvia divinorum are rapid, intense, and short-lived. Most evidence suggests a peak effect within 2 minutes following consumption by smoking, with a slower peak when consumed orally. Most symptoms cease within 20 minutes; however, the 'high' can last as long as 2 hours. Symptoms include headache, restlessness, hyperactivity, disorientation, loss of coordination, dizziness, slurred speech, altered perceptions, including auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic hallucinations, a feeling of being pinned to the floor, changes in perception of body temperature, personal detachment or distorted body ownership, and fatigue. These effects are not sustained and follow-up assessments weeks later usually show no lasting negative effects (7350,7351,15820,100001,100002).

Psychiatric ...Psychiatric changes caused by Salvia divinorum are rapid, intense, and short-lived. Most evidence suggests a peak effect within 2 minutes following consumption by smoking, with a slower peak when consumed orally. Most symptoms cease within 20 minutes; however, the 'high' can last as long as 2 hours. Symptoms include disturbed reality and mood changes including both euphoria or extreme happiness and severe anxiety, fear, or panic (72901,100001,100002). Rarely, the use of Salvia divinorum has been associated with both acute and chronic psychotic episodes. Whether Salvia divinorum use was directly responsible for these episodes is not yet clear. Some individuals were using cannabis or other recreational drugs concurrently and/or were possibly at increased risk of schizophrenia. However, these risk factors were not consistent, and the episodes occurred following the use of Salvia divinorum in all cases (100002). Salvia divinorum appears to have a low potential for abuse (100001).

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