# Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/spilanthes
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Acmella oleracea, Toothache plant, Electric daisy, Buzz buttons, Spilanthol herb, Paracress, Jambu, Eyeball plant

## Overview

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea) is an Amazonian herb containing N-alkylamides including spilanthol, which interact with cannabinoid receptors and voltage-gated sodium channels. The plant's essential oil contains 20.9% β-caryophyllene, a compound that selectively binds CB2 cannabinoid receptors to produce [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.

## Health Benefits

• Traditional ethnopharmacological applications - evidence limited to historical use references
• Potential medicinal properties attributed to N-alkylamides - no clinical trials available
• Contains β-caryophyllene (20.9% of essential oil) - compound with documented [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties in other research
• Rich source of linoleic acid (56.4% of fixed oil) - essential fatty acid with established health benefits
• Flowers contain highest concentration of bioactive spilanthol (16.50 mg/g dry weight) - clinical efficacy not established

## Mechanism of Action

Spilanthes' primary bioactive compounds, N-alkylamides (particularly spilanthol), modulate voltage-gated sodium channels and interact with the endocannabinoid system. β-caryophyllene acts as a selective CB2 receptor agonist, activating anti-inflammatory pathways and reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. These mechanisms contribute to the herb's traditional analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical research on Spilanthes remains extremely limited, with no published human trials specifically investigating this herb's therapeutic effects. Most evidence derives from traditional ethnopharmacological documentation and preliminary in vitro studies examining isolated compounds. While β-caryophyllene has demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties in separate research, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to whole Spilanthes preparations. Current evidence is insufficient to support specific therapeutic claims for this herb.

## Nutritional Profile

**Bioactive Compounds:** Primary bioactive is spilanthol (N-isobutylamide of 2E,6Z,8E-decatrienoic acid), typically comprising 0.7–1.25% of dry flower head weight; total N-alkylamide content in flower heads can reach ~1.5–2.0% dry weight. Essential oil (0.6–1.2% yield from aerial parts) contains β-caryophyllene (~20.9%), germacrene D (~15–18%), limonene (~8–12%), β-ocimene (~5–7%), and thymol (~3–5%). **Fixed Oil (from seeds):** Rich in linoleic acid (~56.4%), palmitic acid (~15–20%), oleic acid (~10–12%), and stearic acid (~5–7%). **Macronutrients (per 100 g fresh leaves, approximate):** Protein ~2.5–3.5 g; carbohydrates ~4–6 g; dietary fiber ~1.5–2.5 g; fat ~0.5–0.8 g; moisture ~85–90 g. **Micronutrients (per 100 g fresh leaves, approximate):** Calcium ~120–170 mg; iron ~4–8 mg; phosphorus ~40–60 mg; potassium ~300–450 mg; magnesium ~30–50 mg; zinc ~1.5–2.5 mg; manganese ~1.0–2.0 mg. **Vitamins:** Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) ~30–50 mg/100 g fresh weight; β-carotene (provitamin A) ~2–4 mg/100 g; modest levels of B-vitamins (thiamine ~0.05 mg, riboflavin ~0.1 mg, niacin ~0.8 mg per 100 g). **Phenolic Content:** Total phenolics ~25–45 mg GAE/g dry extract; flavonoids including quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin glycosides detected at ~5–15 mg/g dry extract. **Other Compounds:** Scopoletin (coumarin derivative), vanillic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and stigmasterol present in trace to moderate amounts. **Bioavailability Notes:** Spilanthol is lipophilic and absorbs rapidly through mucous membranes (oral/sublingual bioavailability is high); systemic bioavailability after oral ingestion is moderate due to first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). N-alkylamides are generally well-absorbed in the GI tract. β-caryophyllene bioavailability is enhanced by co-ingestion with dietary fats due to its lipophilic nature. Linoleic acid from seed oil is readily bioavailable (~85–95% absorption). Iron content may have moderate bioavailability (~5–15%) typical of plant-based non-heme iron; co-consumption with vitamin C-rich portions of the plant may enhance absorption. Phenolic compounds have variable bioavailability (~1–10%), improved by matrix effects during traditional preparation methods (chewing fresh flower buds, decoctions).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the research. The extraction studies use analytical protocols (50 mg plant material with 1 mL solvent) rather than therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Spilanthes supplementation is largely unavailable due to lack of clinical studies. The herb may cause oral numbness or tingling due to its N-alkylamide content, which affects sodium channels. Potential interactions with medications metabolized through the endocannabinoid system are theoretically possible but undocumented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and unknown effects on fetal development.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses for Spilanthes. The available literature focuses exclusively on extraction methodology, phytochemical composition, and traditional ethnopharmacological references without clinical efficacy data or PubMed PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research references Acmella oleracea within the context of ethnopharmacology, noting that many biological activities were traditionally ascribed to N-alkylamides. However, specific details about traditional medicine systems, conditions treated, or duration of historical use are not provided in the available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric (β-caryophyllene content), Black Pepper, Omega-3 fatty acids, Ginger, Clove

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds make spilanthes cause mouth numbness?

N-alkylamides, particularly spilanthol, cause the characteristic tingling sensation by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes. This mechanism is similar to local anesthetics and occurs within minutes of oral contact.

### How much β-caryophyllene is in spilanthes essential oil?

Spilanthes essential oil contains approximately 20.9% β-caryophyllene by composition. This represents a significant concentration compared to many other botanical sources of this CB2 receptor-active compound.

### Can spilanthes interact with CBD or cannabis products?

Theoretical interactions are possible since spilanthes contains β-caryophyllene, which activates CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, no documented interactions exist, and the clinical significance of combining these substances remains unknown.

### What is the traditional dosage of spilanthes used in Amazonian medicine?

Traditional preparations typically involve chewing fresh leaves or using alcohol extracts, but specific dosages are not standardized in ethnobotanical literature. Modern supplement dosing recommendations are not established due to lack of clinical trials.

### Does spilanthes have any proven medical benefits?

No proven medical benefits exist for spilanthes due to the absence of human clinical trials. While traditional use suggests potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, these applications lack scientific validation through controlled studies.

### Is spilanthes safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Safety data for spilanthes use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient, with no clinical studies available to establish safety in these populations. Given its traditional use as a stimulant and potential bioactive effects from N-alkylamides, pregnant and nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use. Historical use does not guarantee safety for vulnerable populations.

### Does spilanthes interact with common medications like blood thinners or anticoagulants?

No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for spilanthes with anticoagulants or other medications. While spilanthes contains compounds with documented biological activity (β-caryophyllene, linoleic acid), its interaction potential with specific medications remains unknown. Anyone taking prescription medications, especially anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs, should consult a healthcare provider before combining with spilanthes.

### What is the most bioavailable form of spilanthes — fresh plant, dried extract, tincture, or essential oil?

No comparative bioavailability studies exist for different spilanthes forms, so efficacy comparisons cannot be made based on clinical evidence. Traditional use favors fresh plant material (leaves chewed directly) and water-based preparations, though these forms have not been tested for absorption rates. The essential oil, which concentrates β-caryophyllene (20.9%), may offer different bioavailability characteristics than whole plant or extract forms, but this remains unstudied.

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