Acmella oleracea

Acmella oleracea

Close-up of Acmella oleracea flower

Acmella oleracea, commonly known as toothache plant, is a flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to South America and is known for its unique properties and uses in traditional medicine and cuisine.

Description

Acmella oleracea is a small, erect plant that typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm. It has a branching habit and features bright green, ovate leaves. The plant is most notable for its yellow and red inflorescences, which are small and button-like in appearance.

Chemical Composition

The plant contains several bioactive compounds, the most significant of which is spilanthol, a fatty acid amide responsible for its numbing and tingling effects. Other compounds include undeca-2E,7Z,9E-trienoic acid isobutylamide and undeca-2E-en-8,10-diynoic acid isobutylamide.

Skeletal formula of spilanthol

Uses

Culinary

In culinary applications, Acmella oleracea is used as a flavoring agent. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads and other dishes to impart a unique, spicy flavor.

Medicinal

Traditionally, Acmella oleracea has been used to treat toothaches, hence its common name. The plant's extracts are applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation. It is also used in some regions to treat other ailments such as sore throats and gum infections.

Cosmetic

In recent years, spilanthol has been incorporated into cosmetic products for its purported anti-aging properties. It is believed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.

Cultivation

Acmella oleracea is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers warm climates and well-drained soil. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings and requires regular watering and full sun exposure.

Gallery

• 
  Oil extracted from Acmella oleracea
• 
  Chemical structure of undeca-2E,7Z,9E-trienoic acid isobutylamide
• 
  Chemical structure of undeca-2E-en-8,10-diynoic acid isobutylamide

Related pages

• Asteraceae
• Traditional medicine
• Herbalism