Spilanthol

Spilanthol (CAS 25394-57-4), also known as Affinin, is a fatty acid amide that falls under the compound class, alkamides. It is most commonly associated with the plant Acmella oleracea and is ascribed to the plant’s local anesthetic properties.

Spilanthol is able to permeate the human skin and buccal mucosa resulting in local and system pharmacological concentrations. Similarly to the alkamides associated with Echinacaea (Kalecide and Dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-Tetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide), it has displayed anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action is based on inhibition of the nitric oxide production in response to a reduction of expression of the iNOS enzyme in macrophages.

As seen in other spilanthanes, spilanthol has shown insecticidal properties. It has been studied for its effectiveness against Plutella xylostella (1). The product showed the highest activity at 2g/L, with 95-100% mortality after 48 hours of exposure. The compound is also studied for its effect against corn earworm moth (Aedes aegypti) and yellow fever mosquito (Helicoverpa zea), showing positing efficacy against both species.

For information on purchasing additional alkamides, you can follow this link.

(1) Sharma, A., Kumar, V., Rattan, R. S., Kumar, N., & Singh, B. (2012). Insecticidal Toxicity of Spilanthol from Spilanthes acmella Murr. against Plutella xylostella L. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 03(11), 1568–1572. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2012.311189