Dr. Grey AI

Toothache plant

Toothache plant contains spilanthol, which causes a distinctive tingling/numbing sensation when chewed. Used traditionally for toothache, oral pain, and as an aphrodisiac. The leaves are used in salads and cuisine. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mostly preclinical. Topical analgesic effects supported in animals. May have aphrodisiac and diuretic effects. Generally safe as a food. Interesting for local anesthetic potential.

Quick Answer

What it is

Toothache plant contains spilanthol, which causes a distinctive tingling/numbing sensation when chewed. Used traditionally for toothache, oral pain, and as an aphrodisiac.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Local Anesthetic / Analgesic Effect
  • Grade C: Erectile Function
  • Grade C: Anti-inflammatory Activity

Safety

  • Multiple animal studies demonstrate antinociceptive effects of spilanthol-rich extracts via Na+ channel blockade, opioidergic/serotoninergic/GABAergic activation, and TRPV1/CB receptor interaction.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Toothache plant

Quick Facts: Toothache plant

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:0
  • Research Outcomes:7
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C4
D3
0 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

C
Local Anesthetic / Analgesic Effect
Multiple animal studies demonstrate antinociceptive effects of spilanthol-rich extracts via Na+ channel blockade, opioidergic/serotoninergic/GABAergic activation, and TRPV1/CB receptor interaction. Local anesthetic activity confirmed in guinea pig and frog models. One observational cohort (103 patients) showed ~37% pain score reduction for chronic low back pain, though this used a combination product with Boswellia serrata.
moderate↓Improves
C
Erectile Function
Three human trials (RCTs and longitudinal) using SA3X (500 mg S. acmella extract) reported improved erectile function scores over 1-3 months in men with ED. An animal study in male rats showed dose-dependent increases in mounting and intromission frequency. All human trials are from a single research group using a branded extract, requiring independent replication.
moderate↑Improves
C
Anti-inflammatory Activity
In vitro, spilanthol dose-dependently suppressed iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in macrophages via NF-κB inactivation. In rodent models, topical spilanthol reduced allergic inflammation in atopic dermatitis (reducing IgE, blocking MAPK pathways) and attenuated 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Anti-inflammatory effects also demonstrated in a pancreatitis model.
moderate↓Improves
C
Testosterone Levels
In a double-blind RCT, SA3X supplementation increased serum testosterone by ~22 ng/dL over 3 months in men with ED. A longitudinal study of 326 men confirmed a significant increase from 309.84 to 332.27 ng/dL by month 3 (p<0.01). An animal study showed dose-dependent testosterone increases in male rats. All human data from a single research group.
small↑Improves
D
Diuretic Effect
In rats, Spilanthes acmella flower extract produced significant diuretic activity. A mechanistic study showed spilanthol reduces NKCC2 phosphorylation and AQP2 membrane expression in mouse kidney tissue by lowering cAMP via increased cytosolic Ca²⁺, producing furosemide-like natriuretic and kaliuretic responses. No human data available.
small↑Improves
D
Ejaculatory Latency
A pilot clinical study found that a topical nano-formulation spray containing Acmella oleracea extract, applied 5 minutes before intercourse for 12 weeks, increased intravaginal ejaculatory latency time from 193 to 293 seconds in men with premature ejaculation, with good tolerability and no systemic side effects.
moderate↑Improves
D
Oral Health (Periodontal)
A small RCT of 30 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis found that local drug delivery of Acmella oleracea gel as adjunct to scaling and root planing showed clinical and microbiological improvements, though the formulation also included Acacia catechu.
1 study
small↑Improves

Research Citations (18)

Efficacy and Safety of Acmella oleracea and Boswellia serrata Extract as Add-On Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: An Observational, Real-World Cohort Study
(2025)
PMID: 41471392
Clinical Safety of a Pharmaceutical Formulation Containing an Extract of Acmella oleracea (L.) in Patients With Premature Ejaculation: A Pilot Study
(2023)
PMID: 37081737
Alkylamides from Acmella oleracea: antinociceptive effect and molecular docking with cannabinoid and TRPV1 receptors
(2023)
PMID: 36331425
Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial of SA3X (Spilanthes acmella) for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
(2022)
PMID: 35541293
Effect of SA3X (Spilanthes acmella) Supplementation on Serum Testosterone Levels in Males with Erectile Dysfunction -- A Parallel Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
(2022)
PMID: 36818267
Evaluation of Serum Testosterone Levels Following Three Months of SA3X (Spilanthes acmella) Supplementation
(2022)
PMID: 35898380
Local effects of natural alkylamides from Acmella oleracea and synthetic isobutylalkyl amide on neuropathic and postoperative pain models in mice
(2022)
PMID: 35659524
Pharmacological potential of alkylamides from Acmella oleracea flowers and synthetic isobutylalkyl amide to treat inflammatory pain
(2020)
PMID: 31111412
Topical Spilanthol Inhibits MAPK Signaling and Ameliorates Allergic Inflammation in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice
(2019)
PMID: 31137528
Spilanthol Inhibits Inflammatory Transcription Factors and iNOS Expression in Macrophages and Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects in Dermatitis and Pancreatitis
(2019)
PMID: 31484391

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