Acmella oleracea L. [ASTERACEAE]

This plant is known under the name ”toothache plant”. Both the leaves and the flowerheads contain the compound spilanthol which is known as an analgesic compound being responsible for the numb feeling when applies on toothache.  Spilanthol is an alkylamide, and several compounds belonging to this class of compounds have been found in the plant. Traditionally a decoction or infusion is made of flowers and leaves against toothache, throat soreness and stomatitis. It is also said to have diuretic effect.  Spilanthol has also been shown to be effective in killing mosquitoes and their larvae. The flowers of the plant are in Mali used as one of the plant parts present in the ITM ”Malarial” being used against malaria, and it is said (not yet proven) that spilanthol is the active ingredient against malaria. A recent patent application describes an anti-wrincle activity of spilanthol.