Bioactivity of stigmasterol isolated from the aerial part of Spillanthes acmella (Murr) on selected microorganism

Spillanthes acmella Murr is a flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. It is known as toothache plant or pancress as the leaves and the flower heads contain analgesic agent Spilanthol that is used to numb toothache. The fresh and cooked leaves are combined with chilies and garlic to add flavour and vitamins to foods (Miyazawa et al; 2006). Some chemical constituents have been isolated from the plant such as Spilanthol an alkyl amide (Gokhale and Bhide, 1945). This is responsible for the saliva inducing effect of the plant, and some triterpenoids (Ramsewak et al; 1999). The leaves along with alum are recommended as emetic (Gill, 1992). Because of this observation and the regular uses of the plant by the natives prompted this research possibly to find out if there could be more metabolites that can be of pharmacological relevance. ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 2 (2014) pp. 475-479 http://www.ijcmas.com