Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract

Spilanthes acmella flower extract is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial extract obtained from the flowers of Jambu, or Acmella oleracea (previously called Spilanthes acmella).

The main bioactive compound isolated from the plant is called spilanthol and it belongs to the chemical family of fatty acid amides.

Several interesting studies can be found in the scientific literature on the effects of Acmella flower extract on the skin. Spilanthol in its pure form produces a tingling or burning sensation and is locally anesthetic; the extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also shows some antimicrobial activity.

An interesting effect was observed when the extract was tested for tyrosinase activity (tyrosinase is an enzyme responsible for the production of skin pigment): the whole extract activated the pigment production, but the pure spilanthol inhibited it. This observation definitely needs more research before any conclusions can be drawn.

Lastly, there is a patent claiming the use of Acmella oleracea extract for the botulinum toxin-like effect in an anti-wrinkle cosmetic composition. This effect, however, has not been described in any scientific literature and so it is not very convincing.