Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Haemostasis is defined as the arrest of bleeding by formation of a haemostatic
plug or clot. The herb Arnica montana interferes with this process thus resulting
in increased bleeding. Homoeopathic physicians use Arnica montana in a
potentised form for the treatment of post-operative swelling, pain and ecchymosis
but little is known on what effect this potentised form of Arnica montana has on
blood coagulation and bleeding time.
This study forms part of a three part in vivo study to determine the effects of
various homoeopathic potencies of Arnica montana on blood coagulation. This
was done by measuring the Bleeding Time (BT), activated Partial Thromboplastin
Time (aPTT) and the International Normalised Ratio (INR) of Prothrombin Time
(PT). The aim of this particular study is to investigate the in vivo effect of Arnica
montana 30C on blood coagulation and Bleeding Time.
This study is a double blind, placebo controlled study that took place over a
period of two weeks. A total sample group for the three part study consisted of
eighty healthy participants between the ages of eighteen to thirty five. Consenting
participants that met the criteria were randomised into four groups of twenty each.
One group for each part of the three part study were the experimental group and
one group was allocated to the placebo group that was shared by all three studies.
BT was taken as well as blood samples which underwent coagulation tests (aPTT
and INR). Twenty participants received Arnica montana 30C in 20% ethanol and
twenty participants received an identical bottle containing 20% ethanol. After two
weeks another blood sample was taken where all three coagulation test
measurements were repeated.
The results of the BT, INR and aPTT were analysed using Statkon Statistical
Package for Social Sciences. This showed no statistical difference between the
experimental or control group with regard to BT, INR and aPTT. The results
indicate that Arnica montana 30C appears to have no effect on Bleeding Time..