A species of flowering herb belonging to the Asteraceae family is called Spilanthes oleracea. Common names for this plant include electric daisy, buzz buttons, paracress, and toothache plant. A significant medicinal plant, Spilanthes oleracea, can be found in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in India and South America. Small amounts of finely chopped fresh leaves are claimed to give salads a distinctive flavor when used in cooking. In northern Brazil, particularly in the state of Pará, leaves are used both fresh and cooked in recipes like stews. They are used with garlic and chilis to give other foods taste and nutrition. Jambu oil or jambu extract, a concentrated extract of the paracress plant, is used as a flavour in food, chewing gum, and chewing tobacco.
Spilanthol, the main component of jambu extract, is what gives it its mouthwatering flavor. It also acts as a sialogogue by causing salivation, maybe due to its astringent activity or its pungent taste. It is sometimes referred to as the toothache plant because it can cause salivation and lessen toothache discomfort. This plant's numerous extracts and active metabolites have beneficial pharmacological properties. According to a literature review, it has a variety of pharmacological effects, including antifungal, antipyretic, local anesthetic, bioinsecticide, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, pancreatic lipase inhibitor, antimicrobial, antinociception, diuretic, vasorelaxant, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, toothache relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.
The primary pungent component identified in this Para cress plant is "spilanthol," an isobutylamide well known for its insecticidal effects and salivation-inducing (sialogogue) qualities.