Do Distinct Homeopathic Potencies of Arnica montana Differentially Modulate Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration In Vitro?

CONTEXT: Arnica montana (A. montana) is widely used in homeopathy for trauma-related wound management; however, the cellular and molecular effects of different homeopathic potencies remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether different homeopathic potencies of A. montana induce distinct, potency-specific effects on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and wound healing-related protein expression in vitro. METHODS: 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were treated with 6q, 30cH, or 200cH potencies of A. montana for up to 72 hours. Cell morphology was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy; viability and proliferation by MTT assay; and wound closure by scratch-wound migration assay. Laminin, fibronectin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) protein levels were quantified using ELISA and immunocytochemistry. Control groups included untreated medium and vehicle (unsuccussed solvent). RESULTS: Scratch-wound assays demonstrated a marked, potency-specific enhancement of fibroblast migration and wound closure following treatment with A. montana, with the 200cH potency inducing the most rapid and complete closure over 72 hours. These functional effects were accompanied by increased fibroblast proliferation at later time points and higher intracellular levels of laminin, fibronectin, FGF and TGF-β1 protein, particularly in the 200cH group, while cell morphology remained unaffected across all conditions. CONCLUSION: Among the tested potencies, A. montana 200cH showed the greatest stimulatory effect on fibroblast proliferation, migration, and wound healing-related protein expression. This study provides the first comparative evaluation of multiple A. montana potencies in a fibroblast wound-healing model, suggesting a potential potency-associated cellular response in vitro.