K.A. Potriassay, A.A. Markaryan, A.F. Azarkova

Arnica genus is one of the numerous members of vast and varied Compositae family (Asteraceae). In scientific medicine three species of arnica are allowed to be used: Mountain arnica (Arnica Montana L.), Chamisso arnica (Arnica chamissonis Less.) and Leafy arnica (Arnica foliosa Nutt.). All these species of arnica contain bioactive substance complex. Different phenol compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, polysaccharides, tannins, organic acids and other compounds are distinguished. Chemistry of arnica flowers was researched by domestic and foreign researchers mostly, because of often use in medicine compared to other parts of the plant. We-ve made an attempt to estimate the methods of preparations and materials, described in German, French, Russian, Switzerland pharmacopeia, homeopathic and European pharmacopeia, normative documents and public literature.