Spilanthes acmella an endangered medicinal plant - its Traditional, Phytochemical and Therapeutic properties – An overview

Spilanthes acmella, belonging to family Asteraceae, is a well known genus comprising of over 60 species that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. With high medicinal usage, it has been recognized an important medicinal plant with an increasing high demand worldwide. It is commonly known as antitoothache plant. From its traditional uses in health care and food, extensive phytochemical studies have been reported. Different types of bioactive compounds have been isolated from the plant from time to time. It has been reported very effective in various ailments including, anti-pyretic, anti-diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, antiAIDS and anti-toothache. The aim of the present review was to highlight the ethanobotanical knowledge of the plant used for ayurvedic preparations in relation to its use as therapeutic agent. Present reviewe also describes the endangered status of the plant and its possible conservation strategies through invitro regeneration practices. The data and information of this review can be utilized in drawing strategies for rational and more scientific use of medicinal plants in general and Spilanthes acmella in a particular way that can be extended for future scientific investigation in different aspects. The present review therefore aims to compile up to date and comprehensive information of Spilanthes acmella on its traditional, phytochemical, theraptic uses and its large-scale production.