Arnica is the name attributed to Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae), an european species used in several parts of the world. The Brazilian traditional medicine also attributes the name of arnica to other species of the Asteraceae, especially some Lychnophora. In the present study physical-chemical characteristics (organoleptic, alcoholic graduation, density, pH, percentage of dry residue) and chemical (TLC and HPLC profiles) of tinctures prepared with L. rupestris, L. pinaster and A. montana has been determined. The samples had been then submitted the thermal stability testing. The results demonstrated some similarity between tinctures of the species of Lychnophora and A. montana, especially by their profiles in CCD. All tinctures altered after six months by thermal stability testing, being the most significant the reduction of percentage of dry residues, indicating degradation and loss of substances. The results allowed to distinguish tincture from the different species of arnica and confirmed their instability on the time.
Lychnophora; Arnica montana; arnica; tincture; quality; stability
