Abstract Spilanthes acmella known in Brazil as jambu is a typical herb of the northern region of Brazil that has application in traditional medicine to treat toothache, stomatitis and throat diseases, being antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and healing. Studies included in this systematic review are in vivo experiments using mice whose inflammation was obtained with the use of carrageenan introduced into the paw and the decrease of edema was measured by plethysmometry. There was also, in vitro experiment using murine macrophages. These studies have recognized that Spilanthes acmella has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. However, additional studies in other models and clinical trials have been recommended to confirm the results and to establish the mechanism of action of the exact as well as the active principles involved in the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Although studies investigating the anti-inflammatory effect of Spilanthes acmella are scarce, it is necessary to recognize the biological potential of this species.
Keywords Spilanthes acmella, anti-inflammatory action, spilanthol.