Acmella radicans
Acmella radicans · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Acmella radicans is a versatile plant notable for its significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Research focusing on its chemical composition has identified key bioactive compounds such as spilanthol and n-isobutyl-2e,6z,8e-decatrienamide. Studies have specifically evaluated the efficacy of various preparations, including adventitious root cultures, ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts (AE), and dichloromethane fractions of both the aerial parts (DFAE) and root extracts (DFRE). These preparations have demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity and effectiveness against pathogens like E. coli. Ultimately, the plant's diverse chemical profile offers promising potential for pharmacological applications derived from its roots and aerial components.
- Synonyms
- Spilanthes Ocymifolia Var. Acutiserrata · Sanvitalia Longepedunculata · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Acmella radicans is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In Spanish-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to by the common name quiebramuelas. Its identity shifts as it travels through Asia, appearing as সাদা মারহাটি টিগা in certain contexts and 白花金鈕扣 in others. Additionally, the plant is recognized by the name വേനപ്പച്ച within specific linguistic traditions. This variety of nomenclature highlights the widespread global presence and cultural significance of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Acmella radicans is a botanical species known by several different taxonomic names throughout scientific literature. It is frequently identified by its synonym Acmella debilis, as well as the specific variation Acmella radicans var. debilis. Other historical classifications include the names Acmella tenella and Ceratocephalus debilis. Additionally, the plant has been documented under the synonym Ceratocephalus exasperatus. Understanding these various nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Acmella radicans is a remarkable organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this botanical realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant follows the biological lineage of the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It further resides within the diverse family Asteraceae, a group known for its complex floral structures. Ultimately, this species is identified by its distinct membership in the genus Acmella.
| 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 radicans exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and diverse climates. In Africa, this plant can be found throughout East Tropical Africa in Tanzania as well as in West Tropical Africa within Guinea. Its presence extends into Asia, where it thrives in the temperate regions of Southeast China. The species also populates tropical Asian landscapes, specifically across the Indian Subcontinent in areas such as Assam and Bangladesh. This wide-ranging habitat demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of the species to various regional environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Acmella radicans is a herbaceous plant characterized by its distinct growth form. This species is entirely self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structure naturally.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Acmella radicans, commonly referred to as the "toothache plant," has demonstrated significant biological potential through recent scientific evaluation. Research into its ethanolic extracts reveals that the plant possesses notable antibacterial activity against various pathogens. Specifically, root extracts have shown effectiveness against resistant strains of S. aureus, while other fractions inhibit bacteria such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the plant also exhibits significant antioxidant potential. These medicinal effects are likely driven by a high concentration of bioactive compounds, including various alkamides found within the aerial parts and roots.
Compounds
Acmella radicans, frequently referred to as the "toothache plant," is a wild species known for its significant medicinal potential. Chemical profiling through GC-MS analysis has revealed that this plant contains various bioactive alkamides in both its roots and aerial parts. Most notably, the plant contains spilanthol, a compound that is believed to contribute to its potent biological effects. This specific alkamide is thought to be a primary driver behind the plant's ability to combat resistant bacterial strains like S. aureus. Consequently, the presence of these compounds supports the traditional use of the plant for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Conditions
Acmella radicans demonstrates significant antibacterial potential by treating various pathogens, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. The plant extracts also show efficacy against S. typhimurium, with the aerial parts specifically exhibiting moderate activity against this bacterium. Beyond its antibacterial properties, Acmella radicans acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by notably inhibiting TNF-α production. These biological effects are largely attributed to the presence of alkamides and other specific compounds found within the plant's fractions. Consequently, the plant serves as a multifaceted medicinal resource against both bacterial infections and inflammatory responses.
Preparations
Acmella radicans is prepared as an adventitious root culture to enhance the production of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity through elicitation. The plant is also prepared as ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts (AE) and ethanolic extracts from the roots (RE) for evaluating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial potential. To further study its biological effects, the plant is prepared as dichloromethane fractions of the aerial parts (DFAE) and dichloromethane fractions of the root extracts (DFRE). These specific dichloromethane fractions have demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on nitric oxide and TNF-α production. Collectively, these various preparations allow for a comprehensive chemical and biological profiling of the species.
Parts used
Acmella radicans, commonly referred to as the "toothache plant," contains various bioactive components throughout its structure. Scientific investigation specifically focuses on the medicinal potential of its root, which can be processed into ethanol extracts. These root extracts have demonstrated a significant ability to inhibit nitric oxide and TNF-α production, highlighting their anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the root is particularly effective at combating resistant strains of bacteria such as S. aureus. This antimicrobial efficacy is likely driven by a high concentration of alkamides, such as spilanthol, found within the plant's root system.