Clinical Uses and Scope of Spilanthes acmella in Dentistry : A Narrative Review

Spilanthes acmella, also identified as Akarkara (Toothache plant), is a crucial herb with immense applications both in the medical as well as dental field. Its biologically active component, Spilanthol, is believed to be responsible for an array of wields like anti-toothache, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diuretic anti-oxidant, immune-modulatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer agent, etc. Recent advances in the use of this plant include food, cosmetic industry, treatment of periodontal diseases and oral ulcers, toothpaste, as an intracanal medicament, and aphrodisiac. The scope of herbal remedies for treatment is expected to rise in near future. However, more experimental studies are required to ascertain this plant’s quality, efficacy, potency, etc. The scope of the current review is to discuss various uses of Spilanthes in dentistry.