acmella oleracea

Acmella oleracea is a flowering herb native to Brazil and widely known as the "toothache plant" due to its traditional use for relieving oral pain. The primary active compound is spilanthol, an alkamide responsible for its characteristic numbing and tingling effects when chewed. Acmella oleracea exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including local anesthetic (via sodium channel blockade), anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NF-κB pathway and reduction of COX-2/iNOS expression), analgesic (peripheral action via prostaglandin inhibition), immunomodulatory (suppression of nitric oxide production in macrophages), diuretic effects (loop diuretic activity in animal studies), aphrodisiac properties (hormonal modulation in animal models), antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effects, and gastroprotective actions. It is used traditionally for toothaches, gum infections, sore throat, stomatitis/mouth inflammation, wound healing and as a flavoring agent. Human clinical data are limited; most evidence comes from preclinical or traditional use[1][2][3][4].

Other names

spilanthes acmellajambuelectric daisyparacresseyeball planttoothache plantbuzz buttonssichuan buttons