%0 Journal Article
%T The Genus Spilanthes Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties: A Review
%A Jayaraj Paulraj
%A Raghavan Govindarajan
%A Pushpangadan Palpu
%J Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/510298
%X Spilanthes spp. are popular, over-the-counter remedies; they are sold over the internet under various names and are widely used in traditional medicine in various cultures. This review will summarize the important reports on the ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties as described in the literature from recent years (1920 to 2013). Spilanthes spp. are used for more than 60 types of disorders. They are reported to contain a number of biologically active phytochemicals, although a large number of ethnopharmacological uses have been documented; only a few of these species have been investigated for their chemical and biological activities. The studies are carried out mainly on Spilanthes extracts and a few metabolites substantiate the uses of these plants in traditional medicine. Well-conducted pharmacological studies are still needed for several traditional indications, and the mechanisms of action by which the plant extracts and the active compounds exert their pharmacological effects remain to be studied. They are predominantly used as extracts in personal care products, traditional medicines, and the pharmaceutical and culinary areas. Suggestions are made regarding some of the possible mechanisms of action as to how the known compounds may exert their biological activity. 1. Introduction Several species in the genus Spilanthes Jacq. are tropical plants and are used extensively in traditional medicine and in flavoring foodstuffs. Most people find the spilanthol-induced tingling of the tongue unpleasant, but when cooked, the plants lose their strong flavor and may be used as a green leafy vegetable. For culinary purposes, a small amount of shredded fresh leaves adds unique flavors to salads. In addition, both fresh and cooked leaves are used in dishes such as stews and soups. There have been significant advances in all aspects of Spilanthes research, and an increasing number of commercial Spilanthes products have appeared in the market place as personal care products, health care products, and for culinary use. Commercial Spilanthes plantations have been established to address the need for sustainable supplies of standardized, high quality raw material. The extensive use of this genus in traditional medicine around the globe has been described in many ethnopharmacological reports. Alongside its traditional applications, the importance of this genus lies in the type of disorders for which preparations of its aerial parts and roots are used. Various plants in the genus are used for anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aps/2013/510298/