Acmella oleracea
Acmella oleracea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Acmella oleracea is a versatile plant known for its diverse pharmacological profile, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, and anesthetic activities. The biological potency of this species is largely driven by its key chemical constituents, most notably the alkylamide spilanthol and various terpenes. Researchers utilize different parts of the plant, such as the leaf, flower, and root, to develop potent therapeutic agents. Various preparations are employed to harness these benefits, ranging from concentrated and hexane extracts to hydroalcoholic dried extracts. Ultimately, these components work together to function as powerful antioxidant, analgesic, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory agents.
- Synonyms
- Anacyclus Pyrethraria · Cotula Dichotoma · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Acmella oleracea is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as Brazil Cress or Brazilian cress in various botanical circles. In certain culinary traditions, it is affectionately called Brèdes mafane. Many enthusiasts also know this unique species as the Electric Daisy due to its distinct sensory effects. Additionally, it is widely recognized by the common name Para cress.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Acmella oleracea is a botanical subject that has been identified through various scientific names throughout history. This plant is closely linked to several synonyms, including Anacyclus pyrethraria and Bidens acmelloides. Researchers have also cataloged it under the names Bidens fusca and Cotula dichotoma. Furthermore, the species is recognized in botanical literature as Cotula pyrethraria. Understanding these diverse taxonomic relationships is essential for accurate plant identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Acmella oleracea belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Asterales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Acmella, this plant exhibits specific structural characteristics unique to its group. Finally, it is categorized under the family Asteraceae, placing it among the well-known daisy and sunflower relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Acmella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Acmella oleracea is a plant species with a widespread presence across the African continent. Its natural distribution is concentrated heavily within West Tropical Africa, including countries such as Benin, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Mali. The species also extends its reach into West-Central Tropical Africa, where it can be found in the Central African Republic. This geographical range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various tropical environments throughout the region. Consequently, understanding these specific locations is essential for studying its ecological role and habitat requirements.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Acmella oleracea is a herbaceous plant characterized by its upright and sturdy structure. This growth form allows the species to remain entirely self-supporting as it develops.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Acmella oleracea, commonly known as the toothache plant or jambu, possesses a diverse range of pharmacological properties that support its traditional medicinal uses. Scientific research has confirmed that the plant exhibits significant antimicrobial activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of various bacteria and fungi. Additionally, its potent antioxidant effects help combat oxidative stress and reduce lipid peroxidation. The plant is also recognized for its anesthetic and analgesic qualities, which make it highly effective for relieving dental pain. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its antiparasitic potential, showing that specific bioactive compounds can target and damage intestinal worms.
Compounds
Acmella oleracea is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties and complex chemical composition. Research indicates that this species is rich in bioactive phytoconstituents, including various terpenes that contribute to its medicinal value. Notably, the plant contains the prominent alkamide spilanthol, which is frequently linked to its traditional uses. These chemical components help drive the plant's ability to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Consequently, the presence of such compounds supports the ongoing investigation of A. oleracea for applications ranging from prostate health to advanced wound healing.
Conditions
Acmella oleracea exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, and NO. The plant also demonstrates significant antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenge DPPH and NO radicals. Its antimicrobial potential is further validated through its ability to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi. Additionally, Acmella oleracea has been shown to possess anti-Acanthamoeba activity, specifically affecting the viability of Acanthamoeba triangularis. This therapeutic effect extends to the treatment of both Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoites and its cysts.
Preparations
Acmella oleracea is prepared as various types of extracts to study its medicinal properties and chemical profiles. Specifically, it is prepared as hydroalcoholic dried extracts which provide high yields of spilanthol from aerial parts. The plant is also prepared as a hexane extract, a process that allows for the recovery of spilanthol and its derivatives. This fractionation process results in a concentrated extract that reaches significant values in the aerial parts of seedlings. Furthermore, the hexanic extract of the plant has been utilized in research to induce generalized convulsions in rat models.
Parts used
Acmella oleracea is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components distributed across its different anatomical structures. Research highlights that the leaves of the plant possess potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, making them useful for therapeutic applications. Additionally, the flowers have been studied for their distinct endocrine-modulatory effects, particularly in addressing prostatic hyperplasia. The plant also features a root system that plays a role in its biological interactions with the environment, including the accumulation of heavy metals during phytoremediation. Ultimately, the diverse chemical profiles found in the leaves, flowers, and roots of A. oleracea allow it to exert unique biological influences depending on the specific plant part used.