Spilanthes / Toothache Plant

Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella, S. oleracea)

AsteraceaeTropical South America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador); now widely cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean

Description

overall appearance

A low-growing, spreading annual or short-lived perennial herb reaching 20–50 cm in height with distinctive yellow-orange, cone-shaped flower heads. Chewing any part of the plant immediately produces a powerful tingling, numbing sensation in the mouth.

roots

Fibrous, shallow root system; pale; tap root weakly developed; plants propagate easily from cuttings

stem

Erect to somewhat sprawling, succulent, branching; 20–50 cm; green to purplish-red; rooting at nodes when prostrate

leaves

Opposite, ovate, 2–7 cm long and 1.5–5 cm wide; margins crenate-serrate; slightly succulent; dark green; surface somewhat rough; distinctive tingly taste when chewed

flowers

Conical to cylindrical, 1–2.5 cm long; head lacks ray florets in most cultivars; all disc florets yellow-orange turning red at apex; borne on long peduncles; profusely produced

fruits/seeds

Small, flat achenes 1.5–2 mm; dark brown to black; slightly hairy; pappus of 1–2 bristles or absent

Active Compounds

Spilanthol (N-isobutylamide alkamide) — primary local anesthetic and immunostimulant, up to 1.25% dry weight in flower headsAffinin (N-2-methylbutyl-2E,6Z,8E-decatrienamide, another key alkamide)Undeca-2E,7Z,9E-trienoic acid isobutylamide and related alkamidesSpilanthic acid (N-isobutylamide)Spilanthol epoxide (oxidative metabolite)Quercetin, kaempferol, and patuletin glycosidesTriterpenoids: alpha and beta amyrin, lupeolEssential oil: beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, germacrene D

Traditional Uses

Brazilian indigenous use: fresh flower heads applied directly to teeth and gums for toothache — the most universal traditional use
Indian Ayurvedic and folk medicine: treatment of toothache, gingivitis, and oral infections; used in traditional dentistry
Nepalese traditional medicine: treatment of malaria, fever, and stomach parasites
Caribbean folk medicine: whole plant tea for cold, flu, and respiratory infections
Amazonian shamanic use: plant chewed before ceremony for saliva production and oral anesthesia
West African traditional medicine: treatment of abscesses, infected wounds, and skin boils
Indonesian traditional use (jombang): leaves used as a remedy for constipation and dyspepsia
Traditional use in India for paralysis and facial nerve conditions

Modern Applications

Local anesthetic: spilanthol activates and desensitizes TRPV1 and Nav channels; comparable to lignocaine in topical gingival applications
Immunostimulant: alkamides activate CB2 receptors and enhance macrophage activity, TNF-α, and IL-1β production — parallels Echinacea alkamides
Anti-inflammatory: spilanthol inhibits COX-2 and iNOS; reduces paw edema in carrageenan rat model comparably to indomethacin
Antimicrobial: activity against S. aureus, S. mutans (dental caries), Candida albicans, and drug-resistant bacteria
Insecticidal and larvicidal: spilanthol effective against Aedes aegypti larvae; active antimalarial research
Diuretic: consistent across animal models and some human reports
Cosmetic anti-aging: spilanthol inhibits facial muscle micro-contractions (used in 'botox-like' topical products)
Antifungal: flower extracts inhibit Trichophyton and Aspergillus species

⚠️ Safety Information

Contraindications

Pregnancy: oxytocic effects of alkamides documented in animal studies; avoid
Autoimmune conditions: immune-stimulating alkamides may exacerbate autoimmune disease
Allergy to Asteraceae family plants
Children under 2: strong oral numbing may suppress feeding and gag reflex
Renal impairment: diuretic effect and potassium excretion

Side Effects

Intense tingling and temporary numbness of mouth and tongue (expected pharmacological effect)
Excessive salivation immediately after chewing
Mild GI upset with high doses of tea or tincture
Rare skin sensitization and contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

Local anesthetics (lidocaine, benzocaine): additive numbing effect; potential for excessive anesthesia
Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus): immune-stimulating alkamides may antagonize
Diuretics (furosemide): additive diuretic and electrolyte effects
Anticoagulants: mild platelet-inhibitory effects of flavonoids

Parts Used

Flower heads (buds and flowers, highest spilanthol content)
Leaves
Whole aerial parts
Root (less common, strong alkamide activity)

Preparation Methods

Fresh flower head (toothache use): 1–2 flower heads chewed directly on affected tooth and gum for 5–10 minutes

Tincture (1:5 in 60% ethanol): 2–4 mL three times daily for immune support

Dried aerial herb tea: 1.5–3 g in 200 mL boiling water, steep 10 minutes; 2–3× daily

Standardized spilanthol extract: 300–500 mg capsule (standardized to 2% spilanthol) twice daily

Topical gel (0.5% spilanthol equivalent): applied to gums and mouth sores as needed

Cosmetic serum (Acmella oleracea extract, 0.1–0.5%): applied topically for wrinkle reduction

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Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.