Fresh Spilanthes
Also known as: Spilanthes acmella, Acmella oleracea, Fresh Spilanthes, Toothache plant, Electric daisy
Overview
Spilanthes acmella, also known as Toothache plant or Electric daisy, is a flowering plant traditionally valued for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in oral health. Its characteristic anesthetic and tingling effects are attributed to bioactive compounds, primarily spilanthol. As a supplement, it is primarily utilized for its potential in oral analgesia, anti-inflammatory actions, and purported benefits in male sexual health, including testosterone increase and improvement in erectile function. Research on Spilanthes is moderately developed, encompassing preclinical studies, some clinical trials, and systematic reviews focusing on its musculoskeletal and anti-inflammatory potential. While promising, more high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety across all claimed benefits.
Benefits
Spilanthes acmella offers several evidence-based benefits: * **Testosterone and Sexual Health:** A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 13 young men demonstrated a mean 29% increase in testosterone after 14 days of supplementation with a Spilanthes-containing herbal blend, with some responders showing up to a 56% increase. Another randomized controlled trial in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone reported significant testosterone increases and improvements in ED symptoms with standardized *Spilanthes acmella* extract (SA3X). These benefits typically emerge after at least two weeks of daily supplementation. * **Oral Analgesia:** Clinical studies have shown that topical formulations of *Spilanthes* extracts provide effective local anesthesia for oral mucosa procedures, comparable to 2% lignocaine gel in both children and adults. This suggests a strong evidence base for its use as a topical pain reliever in the mouth. * **Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects:** Preclinical studies and a systematic review indicate that spilanthol and other phytochemicals in *Spilanthes* can downregulate inflammatory mediators, such as the NF-κB pathway. This suggests potential benefits in musculoskeletal disorders and general inflammation, though more human trials are needed to confirm these effects clinically.
How it works
The primary active compound in Spilanthes acmella, spilanthol, is responsible for its diverse effects. Spilanthol exerts local anesthetic effects by modulating nerve conduction pathways, leading to a numbing sensation, and also increases saliva flow. Its anti-inflammatory properties are mediated through the inhibition of key pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, which reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism behind its potential to increase testosterone is less clear but is thought to involve modulation of endocrine pathways. While the exact molecular targets for testosterone modulation require further elucidation, both topical and oral formulations have demonstrated efficacy in clinical settings, suggesting adequate bioavailability for their respective applications.
Side effects
Spilanthes acmella extracts are generally considered safe, with minimal adverse effects reported in clinical studies. Common side effects are not well-documented but may include mild oral irritation when the extract is applied topically. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been widely reported in the reviewed literature. However, safety in specific populations, such as pregnant women, children under two years of age, or individuals with severe comorbidities, has not been established through dedicated research. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure there are no unforeseen interactions or risks.
Dosage
For testosterone and erectile dysfunction studies, a common dosage used in clinical trials is 500 mg of a standardized extract (containing 3.5% spilanthol) taken daily. The minimum effective dose for observing testosterone increases appears to be at least 500 mg daily, with benefits typically emerging after two weeks or more of consistent supplementation. For topical applications, such as oral anesthesia, formulations vary but have shown efficacy comparable to 2% lignocaine gel. There is no established maximum safe dose for Spilanthes acmella, and higher doses have not been extensively studied in clinical settings. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before exceeding them or if they have specific health concerns.
FAQs
Is Spilanthes effective for increasing testosterone?
Evidence from small randomized controlled trials suggests a moderate increase in testosterone levels after at least two weeks of consistent supplementation with Spilanthes extracts.
Can it replace conventional anesthetics?
Topical Spilanthes gels have demonstrated comparable efficacy to lignocaine gel for oral anesthesia in both children and adults, indicating its potential as an alternative for certain procedures.
Are there safety concerns?
Spilanthes is generally considered safe with minimal side effects reported; however, larger and longer-term studies are needed to fully assess its safety profile across diverse populations.
How quickly do effects appear?
For testosterone increases, effects typically require at least 1-2 weeks of daily supplementation. Topical anesthetic effects, however, are generally rapid upon application.
Research Sources
- https://www.memphis.edu/nutraceutical/pdfs/6-2016-jbls-spilanthes.pdf – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 13 young men investigated the effects of a Spilanthes-containing herbal blend. It found a mean 29% increase in testosterone after 14 days of supplementation, with some responders showing up to a 56% increase, though no acute effect was observed after a single dose. The study also noted a moderate increase in cortisol.
- https://www.herbmedpharmacol.com/PDF/jhp-14-1.pdf – This review and compilation of clinical trials highlights the efficacy of spilanthol as a topical anesthetic. It demonstrates that Spilanthes extracts are effective for oral anesthesia, comparable to 2% lignocaine gel, and also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional uses.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/101727-evaluation-of-serum-testosterone-levels-following-three-months-of-sa3x-spilanthes-acmella-supplementation – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of SA3X (standardized Spilanthes acmella extract) in men with erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. The study reported significant increases in testosterone levels and improvements in ED symptoms, suggesting a beneficial role for SA3X in male sexual health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12250362/ – This systematic review on the Acmella genus, which includes Spilanthes acmella, synthesizes findings from multiple preclinical and clinical studies. It concludes that the plant exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, primarily via NF-κB inhibition, and has potential for treating musculoskeletal disorders, though it notes the heterogeneity of studies and limited high-quality RCTs.
