Acmella oleracea

Acmella oleracea, known to originate from Peru, is a plant with many therapeutic properties. These properties are attributed to the specific phytochemicals of the plant. The phytochemicals of the plant include alkaloids, phytosterols, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins and reducing sugars. Acmella has a pungent taste and unique odour, characters mainly exerted by an active compound known as affinin or spilanthol, an olefinic alkylamide. The plant is an essential source of exogenous antioxidants, which help prevent long-term effects of free radicals attributed to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and even aging. A. oleracea is a valuable plant with antioxidant and anthelminthic properties.