Acmella oleracea
What's the taxonomical classification of Acmella oleracea?
Acmella oleracea belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the evolutionary lineage of the order Asterales. This plant is a part of the widely recognized family Asteraceae, which is further categorized into the genus Acmella, ultimately reaching its specific designation as the species oleracea.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Acmella |
| Species | oleracea |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Acmella oleacea has a decumbent to erect herbaceous stem that typically reaches heights of up to 50 centimeters and features oppositely arranged, ovate to elliptical leaves with entire or slightly serrated margins. The foliage is characterized by a soft, pubescent texture that covers both the upper and lower surfaces of the blades. Its inflorescence consists of small, yellowish flower heads arranged in dense, terminal clusters or capitula. These flower heads are supported by green involucral bracts and contain numerous tiny tubular florets. The plant's overall structure is compact, often forming low-growing mats in its natural habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of East and Southeast Asia, specifically found in parts of China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It thrives primarily in mountainous areas and forest edges where humidity remains relatively high. The species is often localized to specific altitudinal zones within these temperate and tropical landscapes. Its distribution patterns are closely linked to the availability of shaded, moist environments common in these regions. Consequently, its range is restricted by the particular climatic requirements of its preferred habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, moist soil and partial shade to thrive in temperate or subtropical climates.
It is most effectively cultivated in garden beds or containers where it can spread as a groundcover. Regular watering is essential to prevent the soil from drying out completely, especially during hot summer months. Mulching around the base helps maintain consistent moisture levels and suppresses competing weeds.
Periodic pruning can be used to manage its growth habit and encourage denser foliage.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Acmella oleacea provides medicinal value through its aerial parts, which include the capitula, flowers, and leaves, as well as its root. The small flower heads known as capitula contain bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. Broad green leaves are frequently harvested to prepare topical applications or infusions. Additionally, the root serves as a significant component in various herbal preparations for its healing properties. These diverse elements allow the entire structure of the plant to be utilized for therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Open veterinary journal", the aerial parts of the plant Acmella oleracea are used for deworming intestinal parasites in both humans and domesticated animals. These aerial parts were extracted with hexane using a Soxhleth apparatus to isolate bioactive components. A single compound was eluted from column chromatography with an Rf value of 0.56 using a mobile phase of 0.1% ethyl acetate in n-hexane. This isolated lupeol is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene that acts as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic molecule against cestodes and nematodes.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- capitula
- flower
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Acmella oleacea is utilized in various traditional medicinal systems, most notably within the Mizo traditional system of Northeast India, to treat various ailments. In the Mizo culture, the plant is frequently employed as a remedy for skin infections and digestive issues. Historical practitioners also applied the crushed leaves to wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Beyond specific tribal practices, its use extends to regional folk medicine where it serves as an anti-inflammatory agent. These long-standing traditions highlight the plant's significant role in historical community healthcare.
According to a study published by "Open veterinary journal", the toothache plant (Acmella oleracea) is a medicinal plant utilized in the Mizo traditional system of India. This plant is used for the purpose of deworming intestinal parasites in both humans and domesticated animals. The research involved extracting the aerial parts of the plant using hexane in a Soxhleth apparatus. A single compound was eluted from column chromatography with a Rf value of 0.56 from a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% ethyl acetate in n-hexane. This study demonstrates the utility of the isolated compound as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic molecule against cestodes and nematodes.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Mizo traditional system
What are the pharmacological activities of Acmella oleracea?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic pharmacological activities that contribute to its diverse therapeutic potential. Its antioxidant properties allow it to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also exhibits significant antimicrobial and antifungal actions by inhibiting the growth of various harmful bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects help mitigate swelling and pain caused by immune responses. Finally, the presence of anti-parasitic compounds offers protection against diverse parasitic organisms.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Acmella oleracea leaves extract (AOM) demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory activity by reducing cellular production of IL-6, TNF-α, NO, and LDs in macrophages by 96.66 ± 1.95%, 99.21 ± 3.82%, 100%, and 67.51 ± 0.72%, respectively. Its antioxidant effects include IC50 values of 44.50 ± 4.46 and 127.60 ± 14.42 μg/mL in DPPH and NO radical inhibition assays, a 63.69 ± 3.47% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and a 69.03 ± 3.85% decrease in ROS production. The antimicrobial potential is shown by MIC values ranging from 1000 to 125 μg/mL, alongside inhibition of S. aureus growth by 77.17 ± 1.50% and P. aeruginosa growth by 62.36 ± 1.01%. Biofilm adhesion was reduced by 44.71 ± 4.44% for S. aureus, 95.50 ± 6.37% for P. aeruginosa, and 51.83 ± 1.50% for mixed biofilms. Finally, AOM enhances the in vitro migration of L929 fibroblasts by 97.86 ± 0.82% for wound healing applications.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- antifungal
- anti-parasitic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains 14 alkamides, including the specific bioactive compound known as spilanthol, which are primarily classified as N-alkylamides. These alkylamides serve as the core medicinal components responsible for the plant's unique pharmacological properties. Among these various alkylamides, spilanthol is recognized as the most potent and significant constituent. The presence of these N-alkylamides contributes to the various therapeutic effects associated with Acmella oleracea.
According to a study published by "Plants (Basel, Switzerland)", Acmella oleracea is a medicinal and aromatic plant characterized phytochemically by N-alkylamides. Spilanthol serves as the main active compound within this plant. The study assessed the N-alkylamide content in 2 cultivars, specifically cv 'purple' and cv 'yellow'. These bioactive compounds are primarily found in the plant's capitula. Research indicates that aquaponics can produce plants with a high N-alkylamide content comparable to hydroponics.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 14 alkamides
- N-alkylamides
- Spilanthol
- alkylamides
- spilanthol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bacterial infections, fungal infections, inflammation, skin wounds, and promoting wound healing. Its bioactive compounds act as natural antimicrobial agents to combat various pathogens. The plant also possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in affected areas. When applied topically, it effectively manages skin wounds by protecting the damaged tissue. These therapeutic qualities accelerate the overall wound healing process through cellular regeneration.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Acmella oleracea is traditionally used to treat skin and mucous wounds, influenza, cough, toothache, and bacterial and fungal infections. The methanolic extract of Acmella oleracea leaves (AOM) reduces the cellular production of inflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α, NO, and LDs in macrophages by 96.66 ± 1.95%, 99.21 ± 3.82%, 100%, and 67.51 ± 0.72%, respectively. AOM showed IC50 values of 44.50 ± 4.46 and 127.60 ± 14.42 μg/mL in DPPH and NO radical inhibition assays, and achieved 63.69 ± 3.47% of lipid peroxidation inhibition. The extract's MIC values ranged from 1000 to 125 μg/mL, and it significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus by 77.17 ± 1.50% and P. aeruginosa by 62.36 ± 1.01%. Finally, AOM enhanced the in vitro migration of L929 fibroblasts by 97.86 ± 0.82% for wound healing applications.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bacterial infections
- fungal infections
- inflammation
- skin wounds
- wound healing
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal preparations including ethanolic extract and specialized flower extracts to harness its bioactive compounds. The ethanolic extract is frequently utilized for its concentrated phytochemical properties during pharmacological studies. Additionally, researchers focus on flower extracts to isolate specific aromatic and therapeutic elements unique to the blooms. These diverse preparations allow for targeted applications in both traditional medicine and modern scientific research. Each method of extraction serves to enhance the medicinal efficacy of the plant's natural constituents.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the inflorescences of Acmella oleracea are utilized for their local anesthetic, insecticidal, antiparasitic, and anthelmintic attributes. An ethanolic extract of these inflorescences, known as AoE, was analyzed and found to contain 14 annotated alkamides. HPLC-DAD analysis of AoE revealed a peak with a substantial relative area of ∼85% which was identified as spilanthol. In terms of efficacy, AoE caused mortality of adult schistosomes ex vivo with an EC50 value of 32.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, oral administration of 400 mg/kg of AoE resulted in a significant reduction in worm burden of 28%.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ethanolic extract
- flower extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause a local anaesthetic effect on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue upon consumption. This numbing sensation occurs because the plant contains spilanthol, a compound that interacts with nerve endings to temporarily reduce sensitivity. While this property is often used intentionally in dental products, it can lead to a loss of sensation in the oral cavity. Users should be aware that this tingling or numbing can occasionally be accompanied by mild irritation. Monitoring the intensity of these effects is important when using extracts for medicinal purposes.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis", Acmella oleracea L. is known for its local anaesthetic effect induced by the alkylamide spilanthol. Spilanthol was prevalent in the aerial parts, especially in samples of seedlings obtained from regenerating lines, where it reached a maximum value of 1.72 mg/g dried matter (DM). A hexane fractionation step allowed for a concentrated extract that reached a value of 63.4 mg/g dried extract in the aerial parts from seedlings from regenerating lines. Hydroalcoholic dried extracts showed high yields of 30-45 % on dried matter and those obtained from aerial parts contained up to 5.69 mg/g of spilanthol. Additionally, the roots showed twice as much total phenols (11.19 mg/g DM) as the aerial parts.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- local anaesthetic effect
What herbs are paired with Acmella oleracea?
This plant Acmella oleacea pairs best with aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, ginger, basil, and mint to balance its unique numbing and cooling sensation.
The spicy undertones of ginger complement the plant's tingling effect, creating a multidimensional sensory experience in culinary applications. When combined with citrusy lemongrass, the herb helps to brighten the complex flavor profile of the leaves. Using basil adds a peppery sweetness that bridges the gap between the plant's cooling properties and savory dishes.
These combinations are particularly effective in Southeast Asian cuisines where contrasting textures and temperatures are valued.