Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Review of Acmella oleracea (Toothache Plant) in Asia with Descriptive Analysis of Its Antimicrobial Potential

This review consolidates recent literature on Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella), especially those that have been carried out in Asia. Major scientific databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were used to conduct a systematic literature review. Results indicate that Acmella oleracea contains a variety of phytochemicals, including N-alkylamides such as spilanthol, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. The widespread traditional use of traditional ethnopharmacology is confirmed by reports of the use of ethnopharmacology in countries like India, Thailand, and the Philippines in the treatment of pain, wound healing, and infection treatment. The antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli is further confirmed by pharmacological studies. The toxicological evidence shows that there is a wide safety margin at standard doses, but slight hepatic and renal alterations have been noted in animal models at high doses. Although promising pharmacologically, studies are restricted to a large extent to in vitro models. More research is needed to emphasize standardized techniques of extraction, in vivo or human clinical trials to define the efficacy and safety level. Acmella oleracea proves to be a good potential source of natural therapeutic agents in modern medicine that have their roots in culture.