# Jambu (Acmella oleracea)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/jambu
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Acmella oleracea, Toothache plant, Paracress, Buzz buttons, Electric daisy, Peek-a-boo plant, Eyeball plant, Spilanthes, Brazilian cress, Jambu-açu, Agrião-do-Pará, Abecedária

## Overview

Jambu (Acmella oleracea) is an Amazonian flowering herb whose primary bioactive compound, spilanthol, drives its pharmacological activity by modulating inflammatory cytokines and ion channels. It has been studied for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), analgesic, and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects, with particular interest in its ability to suppress TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide production.

## Health Benefits

• Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in animal models, such as inhibition of edema and reduction of inflammatory markers like NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α [3]. • Demonstrates potential for reducing cell infiltration in formalin tests without renal/hepatic toxicity [3]. • Contains spilanthol, which is noted for its primary anti-inflammatory activities [3]. • The essential oils with volatile compounds like β-pinene may contribute to health benefits [3]. • No specific human studies available, indicating preliminary evidence from preclinical models.

## Mechanism of Action

Spilanthol, an N-alkylamide found in Acmella oleracea, inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing downstream production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). It also acts as a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist, which contributes to its local analgesic and tingling sensory effects. Additionally, spilanthol has demonstrated inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in vitro, providing a secondary mechanism for its anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating properties.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence for Jambu's effects comes from preclinical animal studies, including rodent models using formalin-induced paw edema and carrageenan [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) assays, where spilanthol-enriched extracts significantly reduced edema and lowered circulating inflammatory markers. One study demonstrated reduced cell infiltration in formalin tests without observable renal or hepatic toxicity at tested doses, suggesting a reasonable short-term safety profile in animals. Human clinical trial data remains sparse and methodologically limited, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials published as of current literature. The existing evidence base is considered preliminary, and efficacy claims in humans should be interpreted cautiously until well-powered clinical studies are conducted.

## Nutritional Profile

Jambu (Acmella oleracea) is a nutrient-dense leafy herb with the following documented composition per 100g fresh weight where data is available: Macronutrients: Moisture ~85-90g, Protein ~3.2-4.5g, Carbohydrates ~4.8-6.2g, Dietary Fiber ~2.1-3.0g, Fat ~0.4-0.8g, Ash ~1.2-1.8g. Micronutrients: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ~60-120mg/100g (notably high, contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity), Iron ~8-12mg/100g (among the higher values for leafy herbs, though bioavailability is moderate due to non-heme form and presence of oxalates), Calcium ~180-220mg/100g, Potassium ~350-420mg/100g, Magnesium ~45-65mg/100g, Phosphorus ~55-75mg/100g, Zinc ~0.8-1.2mg/100g. Key Bioactive Compounds: Spilanthol (N-isobutylamide alkamide) is the dominant and most pharmacologically significant compound, concentrated primarily in flower heads (~1.0-1.5% dry weight of flowers) and to a lesser extent in leaves (~0.2-0.6% dry weight); it is responsible for the characteristic tingling/numbing sensation and primary [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), analgesic, and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activities. Additional alkamides including affinin and related N-alkylamides are present in smaller quantities. Essential oil fraction (~0.05-0.3% of fresh weight) contains spilanthol, undeca-2E,7Z,9E-trienoic acid isobutylamide, beta-caryophyllene (~15-25% of essential oil), limonene, germacrene D, and myrcene as volatile terpene constituents. Flavonoids present include quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin glycosides (~150-300mg/100g dry weight total flavonoids). Phenolic acids include caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid derivatives (~80-150mg GAE/100g). Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein) ~2-5mg/100g. Bioavailability notes: Spilanthol exhibits good lipophilic absorption enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fats; iron bioavailability is reduced by concurrent oxalate and phytate content but may be enhanced by the high vitamin C presence; flavonoid bioavailability is moderate and subject to [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) biotransformation.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to the absence of human trials. Preclinical studies highlight spilanthol as the key compound but lack dosing specifics. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Preclinical studies in rodents have not reported significant renal or hepatic toxicity at standard extract doses, but human safety data is insufficient to establish formal tolerable upper intake levels. Spilanthol's TRPV1 agonist activity may interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, as some alkamides influence platelet aggregation pathways, though this has not been confirmed in human pharmacokinetic studies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Jambu supplements due to the absence of safety data and traditional use as an emmenagogue in some cultures. Individuals taking immunosuppressants or [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs should consult a healthcare provider before use, given spilanthol's cytokine-modulating activity.

## Scientific Research

There are no specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses available for Acmella oleracea. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies focusing on animal models and in vitro tests [3].

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Northern Brazilian folk medicine, Jambu has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its sensory and bioactive effects have made it a staple in local remedies and cuisine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Boswellia, Black Pepper, Green Tea

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is spilanthol and why is it important in jambu?

Spilanthol is an N-alkylamide (isobutylamide) and the principal bioactive compound in Acmella oleracea, responsible for the characteristic tingling sensation and the herb's pharmacological activity. It modulates TRPV1 receptors for analgesic effects and suppresses NF-κB-driven cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β, making it the focus of most anti-inflammatory and pain research on this plant.

### Can jambu reduce inflammation?

Animal studies show that Acmella oleracea extracts significantly reduce edema and lower inflammatory biomarkers including nitric oxide, IL-1β, and TNF-α in carrageenan and formalin-induced models. These effects are attributed primarily to spilanthol's inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and potential COX enzyme suppression. However, no large human clinical trials have confirmed these anti-inflammatory effects in people.

### Is jambu supplement safe to take daily?

Preclinical rodent studies have not identified significant hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity at studied extract doses, suggesting a reasonable short-term safety profile in animals. Long-term human safety data does not currently exist, and daily supplementation cannot be formally endorsed without clinical trials establishing tolerable doses and monitoring adverse effects in humans.

### What is the typical dosage of jambu or spilanthol in supplements?

There is no established human clinical dosage for Acmella oleracea or isolated spilanthol, as no regulatory body has set a recommended daily intake. Preclinical studies have used standardized extracts ranging from 50 to 400 mg/kg in rodents, but direct dose translation to humans requires pharmacokinetic studies that are currently lacking. Consumers should follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a healthcare provider.

### Does jambu interact with any medications?

Spilanthol's immunomodulatory activity via NF-κB and cytokine suppression may theoretically potentiate the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, risking additive immunosuppression. Some alkamides structurally similar to spilanthol have shown mild effects on platelet pathways, suggesting a potential interaction risk with anticoagulants like warfarin, though this is unconfirmed for spilanthol specifically in humans. Anyone on prescription medications should consult a physician before adding jambu to their regimen.

### What are the best food sources of jambu and can I get therapeutic amounts from diet alone?

Jambu leaves are consumed fresh in traditional cuisines, particularly in South American and Asian dishes, where they provide the active compound spilanthol. However, achieving therapeutic anti-inflammatory doses through dietary consumption alone is challenging, as supplement formulations concentrate spilanthol to much higher levels than found in whole food preparations. Most clinical research demonstrating anti-inflammatory benefits uses standardized extracts that exceed typical dietary intake.

### Is jambu safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is limited safety data on jambu supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is generally recommended to avoid supplemental forms during these periods as a precautionary measure. While jambu is used as a culinary herb in some traditional contexts, the concentrated spilanthol in supplements has not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing populations. Consult a healthcare provider before using jambu supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

### How does jambu's anti-inflammatory potency compare to other herbal supplements?

Jambu exhibits anti-inflammatory effects comparable to other herbal remedies by reducing inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide in animal models, though direct head-to-head clinical comparisons with ingredients like turmeric or ginger are limited. The spilanthol content in jambu is unique among widely used herbs and appears to work through distinct mechanisms on cellular inflammation pathways. More human clinical trials are needed to establish its relative efficacy against other common anti-inflammatory supplements.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*