A remedy for oral pain utilized by the Incas and passed on to their ancestors in the rainforests of Peru is showing promise in early clinical trials, according to an article in the University of Cambridge's Research News.
A gel made from varieties of the Amazonian plant species Acmella Oleracea has proven to be an effective pain remedy during the first two phases of the trials. Researchers believe that it could replace synthetic local anesthetics used in dentistry and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for certain applications, the article noted.
The researchers observed no known side effects over the five-year period during which the Phase I and Phase II trials have been conducted. If Phase III is successful, the product could be brought to the market in 2014 or 2015, according to the university.
