Spilanthol

Spilanthol is a natural non-toxic compound. It is a sesquiterpene lactone and has been traditionally used in folk medicine. It has sensory properties (pungency, tingling, numbing, mouth-watering) and is an excellent stable model compound for sensory/chemoreception studies like pellitorine and a biological analog of alpha-sanshool. Spilanthol shows various biological properties, including analgesic, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anti-wrinkle, bacteriostatic, insecticidal, anti-malarial, anti-larvicidal and anti-molluscicidal activities. There have also been reports on its activities as an anticonvulsant, aphrodisiac, pancreatic lipase inhibitor, anti-obesity agent, antimicrobial agent, diuretic, pronangiogenic compound, vasorelaxant, anti-HIV and toothache relief agent. The exact mechanism of action of spilanthol is still not fully understood. Molecular docking studies showed that the vasodilator effect induced by spilanthol involves activation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels and the CB1 and eCB receptors and inhibitory potential for JAK1 and JAK2 proteins, targets for its cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Spilanthol has also been used as a pro-drug, which is converted to Spilanthol Endoperoxide (SPLE) in the cellular milieu leading to inhibition of Prx3, increased mitochondrial oxidation and disruption of F-actin network, and inhibition of the bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, responsible for a plethora of diseases ranging from blindness to pelvic inflammatory diseases and cervical cancer. Spilanthol is considered to be a natural, safe and nontoxic botox alternative (Bio-Botox). Spilanthol perfectly overcomes the epidermal barrier and migrates deep into the skin. Spilanthol has been used in cosmetics for the temporary relief of wrinkles (a sort of Cinderella effect lasting only a few hours).