Spilanthes Whole Flowering Plant Extract
Also known as: Acmella oleracea, Acmella uliginosa, Toothache plant, Electric daisy, Paracress, Spilanthes acmella
Overview
Spilanthes acmella whole flowering plant extract is derived from a flowering herb traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The primary bioactive compound, spilanthol, is an alkamide responsible for the characteristic tingling sensation and many of its pharmacological effects. It is primarily utilized for pain relief, particularly dental pain, as well as for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial applications. Research also explores its potential vasorelaxant and antioxidant effects. While there are several in vitro, in vivo, and some human studies, large-scale randomized controlled trials are limited, indicating a moderately mature but still developing research landscape.
Benefits
Spilanthes acmella extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, reducing COX-2 and iNOS expression, and suppressing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis through dual COX and LOX inhibition. This leads to decreased inflammation, as supported by preclinical studies. Animal studies have also demonstrated its analgesic effects, showing attenuation of persistent pain and hyperalgesia. The extract possesses antimicrobial activity, particularly antifungal effects against opportunistic fungi like Microsporum gypseum and Cryptococcus neoformans. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest vasorelaxant and antioxidant benefits, potentially supporting cardiovascular health. Limited animal and human studies also indicate potential benefits in managing joint inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
How it works
The principal active compound, spilanthol, mediates the effects of Spilanthes acmella extract. Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting inflammatory pathways, specifically NF-κB, COX, and LOX, and scavenging free radicals. This action contributes to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Spilanthol also modulates vascular smooth muscle cells by reducing chymase activity and reactive oxygen species, which contributes to its vasorelaxant effects. The analgesic effect is believed to be linked to the modulation of pain signaling pathways within the nervous system. While specific bioavailability data are limited, spilanthol's lipophilic nature suggests it is likely absorbed effectively via oral or topical routes.
Side effects
Clinical safety data for Spilanthes acmella extract are limited, but a recent clinical trial reported no significant adverse effects at therapeutic doses. The most common side effect, experienced by over 5% of users, is a local tingling or numbing sensation, which is attributed to spilanthol's sensory effects. No serious drug interactions or contraindications have been robustly documented, but due to limited comprehensive data, caution is advised for sensitive populations. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
Standardized human dosing for Spilanthes acmella extract has not yet been established, and dosages vary widely across studies. In animal models, oral doses have ranged from 10 to 833 mg/kg. Clinical trials have utilized formulations where spilanthol constituted approximately 47% of the extract. Topical applications, such as 20% ointments, are also common for localized effects. The timing of administration depends on the intended use: topical applications are suitable for localized pain relief, while oral doses are used for systemic anti-inflammatory effects. Due to the lack of standardized human dosing, it is crucial to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Spilanthes acmella extract safe?
Generally considered safe with mild local sensory effects like tingling or numbness. More human safety data from large-scale trials are needed to fully assess long-term safety.
How fast does Spilanthes acmella extract work?
Sensory effects, such as tingling, are often immediate. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits may require repeated dosing over several days to become noticeable.
Can Spilanthes acmella extract replace conventional painkillers?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend it as a replacement for standard analgesics. It may, however, serve as a complementary option for pain and inflammation management.
What is spilanthol?
Spilanthol is the primary bioactive compound in Spilanthes acmella, an alkamide responsible for the characteristic tingling sensation and many of the plant's pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15579883231167819 – This clinical trial investigated a Spilanthes extract with 47% spilanthol, finding it safe for use. While the primary outcome was related to intravaginal ejaculation latency time, the study confirmed the extract's safety profile in humans, noting mild sensory effects as the main side effect. The trial's findings support the general safety of Spilanthes extract in a specific application.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4827075/ – This review summarizes the pharmacological activities of spilanthol, highlighting its ability to inhibit inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, COX, and LOX. It also details the antifungal activity of Spilanthes extracts against various opportunistic fungi. The review provides strong preclinical evidence for the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mechanisms of spilanthol.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12250362/ – This systematic review synthesized findings from multiple in vitro, in vivo, and one human study on Spilanthes. It concluded that the extract demonstrates anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, particularly in osteoarthritis models, with efficacy shown for both topical and oral administration. The review emphasizes the need for more robust human randomized controlled trials to confirm these benefits.
- http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/10.3736/jcim20111103 – This animal randomized controlled trial in rats investigated the analgesic effects of Spilanthes flower extract in an acute pain model. The study found that the extract produced significant analgesic effects and reduced hyperalgesia. This research provides preclinical support for the pain-relieving potential of Spilanthes acmella.
