Acmella oleracea (Toothache Plant)

 Scientific Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Acmella
• Species: Acmella oleracea

Common Names:

• English: Toothache plant, Electric daisy, Paracress
• Hindi: अखरकरा (Akharkara)
• Sanskrit: अकरकरभ (Akarakarbha)
• Bengali: অকারকারা (Akarakara)
• Tamil: அகரகரம் (Akarakaram)

Introduction:

Acmella oleracea is a fast-growing, herbaceous plant native to South America but cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and culinary uses. It is widely known for its ability to numb the mouth and relieve toothache, earning it the name "Toothache Plant."

External Morphology:

• Leaves: Ovate to lanceolate, green, with slightly serrated edges.
• Flowers: Small, yellow, and conical, resembling buttons; lack ray florets.
• Stem: Erect or creeping, branched, and slightly hairy.
• Roots: Fibrous and spreading.

Chemical Composition:

• Active Compounds:
  • Spilanthol (primary bioactive component)
  • Alkaloids
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Tannins
  • Sterols

Properties:

• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Immunostimulant
• Antioxidant

Medicinal Uses:

1. Dental and Oral Health:

   • Provides temporary relief from toothaches.
   • Used in oral care products for its numbing effect.
   • Helps in treating mouth ulcers and gum infections.

2. Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory:

   • Used in traditional medicine for joint pain and muscle aches.
   • Reduces inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism.

3. Digestive Health:

   • Stimulates saliva production and aids digestion.
   • Used for treating nausea, bloating, and indigestion.

4. Immune Booster:

   • Enhances the body's defense against infections.
   • Used in herbal formulations for general well-being.

5. Skin and Wound Healing:

   • Antimicrobial properties help heal wounds and skin infections.
   • Used in herbal ointments for cuts, burns, and insect bites.

6. Neurological Benefits:

   • Acts as a mild nervine tonic, potentially helpful for stress relief.

Culinary Uses:

• Leaves and flowers are used in salads, soups, and herbal teas.
• Known for creating a tingling or numbing sensation when chewed.