Common names | Mexican arnica

Scientific name | Heterotheca inuloides

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin

Potential benefits in cosmetics | skin brightening, anti-oxidant

Product name | Mexican Arnica-APD, Mexican Arnica-ANB

Plant Story

Mexican arnica (Heterotheca inuloides) is a flowering plant native to Mexico. Mexican arnica is different from European arnica (Arnica montana), but both flowers possess similar characteristics and have been used for similar purposes. Medicinally, Mexican arnica has been used to treat rheumatism, skin inflammation, and muscular pain colic. It can also be used for bruises, varicose veins, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Mexican arnica flowers are a source of various phenolic compounds. In particular, flavonols such as quercetin and kaempferol and flavones including luteolin and apigenin have been identified. These compounds inhibited tyrosinase, indicating skin brightening properties. In addition, flavonoids inhibited lipid peroxidation and scavenged DPPH radical, suggesting anti-oxidant activity.