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Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review

Grace Thomas Rani R Nair Chithra Gopinath

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Phytochemistry

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700

Abstract

Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr., commonly known as the toothache plant or eyeball plant, is an important medicinal herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and has been extensively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of toothache, oral infections, inflammation, rheumatism, fever, and skin diseases. The therapeutic potential of S. acmella is mainly attributed to the presence of bioactive alkamides, particularly spilanthol, along with flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, phytosterols, coumarins, and essential oils. Numerous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, vasorelaxant, and insecticidal activities. Recent toxicological studies suggest that the plant exhibits relatively low toxicity at therapeutic doses. However, increasing commercial demand and habitat depletion have raised concerns regarding its conservation. Consequently, in vitro micropropagation techniques have been developed to facilitate large-scale cultivation and sustainable utilization. This review summarizes the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicological profile, and advances in micropropagation of S. acmella, highlighting its significance as a promising medicinal and industrial plant.

Keywords

Spilanthes Acmella, Spilanthol, Alkamides, Medicinal Plant, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Micropropagation

References

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How to cite this paper

Grace Thomas, Rani R Nair, Chithra Gopinath "Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 747-753 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700
Grace Thomas, Rani R Nair, Chithra Gopinath "Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 12, Jun. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700
Grace Thomas, Rani R Nair, Chithra Gopinath (2026). Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700
Grace Thomas, Rani R Nair, Chithra Gopinath "Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 12, Jun. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700
@article{1718700,
      author = {Grace Thomas, Rani R Nair, Chithra Gopinath},
      title = {Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Micropropagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr.: A Comprehensive Review},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {747-753},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718700.pdf},
      abstract = {Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr., commonly known as the toothache plant or eyeball plant, is an important medicinal herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and has been extensively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of toothache, oral infections, inflammation, rheumatism, fever, and skin diseases. The therapeutic potential of S. acmella is mainly attributed to the presence of bioactive alkamides, particularly spilanthol, along with flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, phytosterols, coumarins, and essential oils. Numerous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, vasorelaxant, and insecticidal activities. Recent toxicological studies suggest that the plant exhibits relatively low toxicity at therapeutic doses. However, increasing commercial demand and habitat depletion have raised concerns regarding its conservation. Consequently, in vitro micropropagation techniques have been developed to facilitate large-scale cultivation and sustainable utilization. This review summarizes the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicological profile, and advances in micropropagation of S. acmella, highlighting its significance as a promising medicinal and industrial plant.},
      keywords = {Spilanthes Acmella, Spilanthol, Alkamides, Medicinal Plant, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Micropropagation},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718700}
  }