Evidence supporting the use of: Toothache Plant
For the body system: Gums

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea), also known as "Spilanthes," has a long history of traditional use for oral health, particularly in supporting gum health and relieving toothache pain. The plant contains spilanthol, a compound that produces a tingling sensation and has mild anesthetic properties. Traditionally, indigenous peoples in South America and other regions have chewed the fresh flowers or leaves to numb tooth pain, stimulate saliva production, and soothe inflamed gums. These uses are well-documented in ethnobotanical literature. Although there are a few preliminary studies suggesting anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties in extracts of the plant, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. The available scientific evidence is mostly limited to in vitro (test tube) or animal studies, which show that Toothache Plant extracts can inhibit certain oral pathogens and reduce inflammation, but this has not been conclusively demonstrated in human gum health. Therefore, its use to support gums is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate supporting evidence from laboratory research but insufficient clinical validation.

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Other body systems supported by Toothache Plant

Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Mucus Membranes
Nerves
Skin
Teeth

Products containing Toothache Plant

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