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Acmella oleracea, commonly known as toothache plant or paracress, is a flowering herb traditionally used in Amazonian, African, and Ayurvedic-influenced systems for oral health, sensory stimulation, and localized pain relief. In modern research, it has gained attention for its neuromodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cosmetic applications.
The flower heads and aerial parts are the primary medicinal components studied and used.
Acmella oleracea
Buzz Buttons, Jambu
Phytochemical Composition
The biological activity of Acmella oleracea is largely attributed to a group of alkylamides, most notably:
Spilanthol (N-isobutyl-2E,6Z,8E-decatrienamide) — the principal bioactive compound
Additional alkamides (affecting sensory neurons)
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds
Minor terpenoids and sterols
Spilanthol is lipophilic and readily penetrates biological membranes, accounting for its rapid onset of sensory effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5452224/
Neurological & Sensory Mechanisms
Spilanthol interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1 ion channels, which are involved in nociception and sensory perception. This interaction produces:
Localized analgesic and numbing effects
Increased salivation and oral sensory stimulation
Transient tingling followed by reduced pain signaling
These mechanisms explain its traditional use for toothache and oral discomfort and underpin its emerging cosmetic and topical applications.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21545564/
Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Effects
Experimental studies indicate that Acmella oleracea extracts may:
Suppress pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins
Inhibit inflammatory enzyme pathways (COX-related activity in vitro)
Reduce localized inflammation without systemic immunosuppression
These effects are largely attributed to spilanthol and related alkamides.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874112007463
Antimicrobial Activity
Acmella oleracea exhibits antimicrobial effects, particularly against oral pathogens. Studies have documented activity against:
Streptococcus mutans
Candida albicans
Other bacteria associated with dental plaque and gingival inflammation
This supports its long-standing use in oral hygiene and mouth-care preparations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19726364/
Dermal & Cosmetic Research
Spilanthol has been studied for its myorelaxant effects on subcutaneous facial muscles, leading to temporary smoothing of expression lines. This has positioned Acmella oleracea as a botanical ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological formulations.
Mechanistically, this effect appears to involve modulation of neuromuscular signaling rather than true muscle paralysis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25913765/
