Quick Summary

Acmella oleracea, commonly known as Spilanthes, is a herbaceous plant traditionally used mainly in Amazonian medicine. It contains bioactive compounds that may possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties. Current preliminary and preclinical evidence suggests potential applications for musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and muscle injuries, and a small pilot clinical study indicates possible benefits for premature ejaculation. However, further rigorous clinical research is necessary to establish its efficacy and safety.

What Is It

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) is a flowering herbaceous plant native to tropical regions, particularly the Amazon. It is known for its unique bioactive constituents and has a history of traditional medicinal use.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, Spilanthes has been employed in Amazonian folk medicine to address various ailments including inflammation and pain. Its use for musculoskeletal complaints and oral health is noted in ethnobotanical reports.

Active Compounds

Spilanthes contains several bioactive compounds, although the exact constituents responsible for its effects are not fully characterized in the current evidence. Research often focuses on extracts from the plant’s inflorescences containing ethanolic and other solvent-extracted phytochemicals.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Potential treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: Extracts from Acmella species, including Acmella oleracea, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and osteogenic activity that may benefit conditions such as osteoarthritis and muscle injuries. This is supported by preclinical studies and limited clinical data; a systematic review of 11 studies highlights these properties, but further research is needed. (Preclinical and limited clinical evidence)
  • Support for premature ejaculation: A pilot clinical study using a nano-formulation containing ethanolic extract of Acmella oleracea inflorescences found increases in intravaginal latency time among patients with premature ejaculation. These findings are preliminary and based on a small sample size, requiring larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials for confirmation. (Preliminary clinical evidence)

Side Effects

No specific adverse effects directly attributed to Acmella oleracea were reported in the available clinical studies and systematic reviews. However, safety data are limited and inconclusive, highlighting the need for cautious use until more comprehensive safety assessments are available.

Drug Interactions

No clinical evidence or documented reports on interactions between Acmella oleracea and pharmaceutical drugs were identified in the current data.

Who Should Avoid It

There are no documented contraindications reported in the available studies. However, due to lack of data, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before use.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most evidence derives from preclinical studies or small-scale clinical trials with limited sample sizes.
  • Absence of large randomized controlled trials evaluating both efficacy and safety.
  • Considerable heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and formulations used.
  • Insufficient published information on adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.
  • No established dosing guidelines based on current evidence.

References

  • Abdul Malik MM, Shuid AN, Ridzuan NRA, et al. (2025). A Systematic Review of the Potential of Acmella Genus Plants for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders. Europe PMC. PMID: 40650269. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26136493. Summary: Systematic review shows anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Acmella genus plants including Acmella oleracea, with potential for osteoarthritis and myopathies treatment.
  • Batista LL, Koga RCR, Teixeira AVTL, et al. (2023). Clinical Safety of a Pharmaceutical Formulation Containing an Extract of Acmella oleracea (L.) in Patients With Premature Ejaculation: A Pilot Study. Europe PMC. PMID: 37081737. DOI: 10.1177/15579883231167819. Summary: Pilot clinical study indicated increased intravaginal latency time using nano-formulation of Acmella oleracea extract with no reported adverse effects.
  • Szarvas P, Csabai J, Kolesnyk A, Dobránszki J. (2026). Development of an Efficient In Vitro Propagation Method for Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen. Europe PMC. PMID: 41874161. DOI: 10.3390/mps9020044. Summary: Describes propagation methods to produce standardized biomass for research and applications.

Last Reviewed

April 2024

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The potential benefits of Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) are based on preliminary research and limited clinical evidence. Consult a healthcare professional before using this herb, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have pre-existing health conditions, or are taking other medications.