The role of acemella oleracea in medicine- a review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The role of acemella oleracea in medicine- a review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
Activity refers to the various actions and effects of Acemella oleracea as highlighted in the review. These activities include its use in pharmacological applications like anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic potentials, biocidal activities, and other biomedical uses that contribute to its medicinal value.

2) Medicine:
Medicine signifies the wide range of therapeutic applications of Acemella oleracea, including treatment for toothaches, diuretic and renal stones, scabies, psoriasis, malaria, and gastrointestinal diseases. It underscores the plant's role in traditional and modern medical practices.

3) Drug:
Drug implies that extracts from Acemella oleracea have pharmacologically active compounds used as medicinal substances. These compounds—such as spilanthol—may produce therapeutic effects like pain relief, immune modulation, and anti-inflammatory actions.

4) Toxicity:
Toxicity denotes the adverse effects that Acemella oleracea may cause, as studied through acute, neurotoxic, and genotoxic evaluations. Understanding the toxicity profile of the plant ensures safe usage in pharmacological applications.

5) Water:
Water is significant mainly in the preparation and administration of Acemella oleracea extracts. For example, cold water extracts of the flowers have been identified as having strong diuretic activity when administered orally in rats.

6) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the plant’s capacity to inhibit bacterial growth. Studies highlighted in the review indicate that different extracts from Acemella oleracea have been tested against various bacterial strains to determine their antibacterial properties.

7) Salivation:
Salivation is a key effect of Acemella oleracea due to the presence of spilanthol, which stimulates saliva production. This property makes the plant especially relevant in the treatment of conditions like dry mouth and as a stimulant in digestives.

8) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China denotes one of the regions where Acemella oleracea is traditionally used in herbal medicine. For instance, in Indo-China, the plant is utilized to treat conditions like dysentery, showcasing its wide geographical application.

9) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is listed among the conditions for which the plant’s extracts are traditionally used. An extract of Acemella oleracea leaves and flowers is employed for treating ailments such as tuberculosis, demonstrating its broad medicinal utility.

10) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the methodical classification and documentation of Acemella oleracea, establishing its taxonomy and botanical description. It implies the rigorous study and identification of its active compounds, such as spilanthol, through scientific research.

11) Trembling (Tremble, Trembled):
Trembling is an observed symptom in toxicity studies of Acemella oleracea. For example, clinical observations reported trembling in mice following intraperitoneal injection of the plant extract, indicating its potential neurotoxic effects at certain dosages.

12) Pesticide:
Pesticide highlights the biocidal activity of Acemella oleracea, revealing its potential as a natural pesticide. Extracts of the plant have shown significant insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae and other pests, which could be beneficial in agricultural applications.

13) Pungent:
Pungent describes the strong taste of spilanthol, an alkamide found in Acemella oleracea. The pungent taste contributes to the plant’s ability to stimulate salivation and produce localized anesthetic effects, beneficial for dental applications.

14) Bitter:
Bitter characterizes the taste of alkamides, such as spilanthol, found in the plant. This taste quality is linked to the plant’s medicinal impacts, including stimulating saliva production and providing digestive aid.

15) Edema (Oedema):
Edema involves swelling caused by fluid accumulation, which can be mitigated by diuretics. Acemella oleracea exhibits strong diuretic activity that helps in reducing edema by promoting urine formation and removing excess water from tissues.

16) Straw:
Straw refers to the appearance of the receptacular bracts in Acemella oleracea's flower heads. These bracts are described as straw-colored, often tinged with purple-red, contributing to the plant's botanical identification.

17) Moth:
Moth represents one of the insects against which Acemella oleracea exhibits biocidal activity. Studies have shown that extracts from the plant are effective against moth larvae, underscoring its potential as a natural pesticide.

18) Diet:
Diet is relevant in the context of scurvy prevention, where Acemella oleracea flower heads and roots are used as a preventive measure due to their role in stimulating digestion and possibly providing essential nutrients.

19) Post:
Post refers to post-treatment periods in pharmacological studies where the analgesic potential of Acemella oleracea extracts is determined. Different doses were administered to rats, and their pain responses were measured at varied times following treatment.