Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spilanthes, particularly Spilanthes acmella (commonly known as "toothache plant"), has a long history of traditional use for various health conditions, including infections. Traditional medicine systems in South America, Africa, and Asia have used Spilanthes as a remedy for its purported antimicrobial properties. The plant is known for its numbing and tingling effects, and infusions or extracts have been used topically for oral infections and as a general remedy for minor bacterial infections and inflammation. Scientific studies have identified several bioactive compounds in Spilanthes, such as spilanthol and various flavonoids, which have demonstrated some antibacterial activity in laboratory (in vitro) studies against a range of bacterial strains. However, most of this evidence is preliminary, based on cell culture experiments, and does not yet extend to robust clinical trials in humans. Therefore, while traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains limited and has not yet confirmed clinical effectiveness or safety for treating bacterial infections. In summary, the use of Spilanthes for bacterial infections is primarily supported by traditional knowledge, with some early scientific indications of activity but insufficient high-quality evidence to support widespread use as an antibacterial treatment.

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