Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica L.): A Comprehensive Reference
1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Natural Source
Mimosa pudica L. is one of the most recognized plants belonging to the family Fabaceae (also classified under the subfamily Mimosoideae, formerly treated as family Mimosaceae). Originally, the plant is native to South America and Central America, but it has now been introduced to other regions worldwide. The plant is commonly known as "touch-me-not" or "sensitive plant" due to its nyctinastic movements — the rapid folding of leaflets in response to physical stimuli, a phenomenon termed thigmonasty.
M. pudica is a creeping perennial or annual flowering plant and is the most famous plant of this genus; it is commonly known as touch-me-not, sensitive plant, or shy plant. Mimosa is usually a short prickly plant with its branches growing close to the ground. It grows up to a height of about 0.5 m and spreads up to 0.3 m. The stem of mimosa is erect, slender, prickly, and well branched.
Pharmacognostically, it is distinguished by its bipinnate sensitive leaves, pink globose inflorescences, and prickly stems. Microscopic evaluation reveals diagnostic features such as paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals.
The plant is known by a wide variety of vernacular names across cultures. It is called Thotta Chinnugi Plant in Tamil, Lajwanti or Chui Mui in Hindi, Makahiya plant in the Philippines, Thottavadi in Malayalam, Lajjabati in Bengali, Lajjalu in Sanskrit, Nidikumba in Sinhalese, Lojjaboti in Bangladesh, Reesamani in Gujarati, Atti Patti plant in Telugu, Mutti Dare Muni in Kannada, and Lajalu in Marathi. The Chinese name for this plant translates to "shyness grass." Its Sinhala name is Nidikumba, where 'nidi' means 'sleep.' Its Tamil name is Thottal Sinungi, where 'Thottal' means 'touched' and 'Sinungi' means 'little cry.'
M. pudica is native to South America and Central America. It is regarded as an invasive species in Tanzania, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and many Pacific Islands. In India, it is especially cultivated in southern states. The plant is declared a weed in the Northern Territory. Nowadays, it has also been introduced to other regions such as Nigeria, Seychelles, Mauritius, and East Asia.
Common Preparations and Dosage Forms
Multiple plant parts are used medicinally. The roots, leaves, and flower heads of Mimosa pudica may be used by those who practice Ayurveda. Traditional preparations include decoctions, pastes, poultices, expressed juice, and powders.
- Decoction of root or whole herb: Root decoction — in a dose of 15 ml, 2 times a day before food — has been used. Preparation involves taking 1 tablespoon of herb with 1 cup of water, boiling and reducing to half a cup, then filtering and consuming warm.
- Leaf decoction: The decoction is consumed in a divided dosage of 10–15 ml thrice a day for conditions such as diarrhea, bleeding piles, and diabetes.
- Fresh juice/decoction for menorrhagia: Fresh juice or decoction of Lajjalu is administered in a dose of 15–20 ml twice daily in menorrhagia.
- Topical paste: The paste of the leaves of the Mimosa pudica plant is applied to treat fractures of the bone and skin wounds.
- Seed mucilage: Seeds contain a mucilage which is composed of d-xylose and d-glucuronic acid. Seeds are used in Ayurvedic practice for urogenital and spermatogenic conditions.
- Compound Ayurvedic formulations: Important formulations containing Lajjalu include Kutaja avaleha (a semi-solid preparation used in piles, ulcerative colitis, and diarrhea), Ural BPH capsule (for benign prostatic hyperplasia), Selip syrup and tablet (for piles, constipation, and anal fistula), Samangadi churna (for bleeding hemorrhoids), and Palsinuron capsule (for cervical spondylitis, brachial neuralgia, and paralysis).
2. Traditional and Historical Use
Ayurvedic Tradition (India)
Mimosa pudica, often known as the "sensitive plant" for its quick responsiveness to physical stimuli, has a long history in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurvedic and folk treatments. In Ayurveda, the plant is known as Lajjalu (the bashful one) or Samanga. Ayurveda has declared that its root is bitter, acrid, cooling, vulnerary, and alexipharmic. The plant exhibits astringent and bitter tastes with a cooling potency, making it effective in treating bleeding disorders, digestive issues like diarrhea, respiratory conditions, and female reproductive ailments.
The sensitive plant is commonly used in Ayurveda for bleeding disorders like menorrhagia, dysentery with blood, mucus, and piles. It is regarded as a good astringent and acts as a vasoconstrictor, thus providing relief in hemoptysis, menorrhagia, and bleeding piles. Lajjalu is also a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory. Because of its astringent property, it is used in diarrhea and dysentery. Seeds are particularly useful in prameha (urogenital/metabolic disorders) and diseases of the semen.
The ancient Ayurvedic description of the plant's signature behavior is rendered as "sparshaat sankochataam yaati punashcha prasruta bhavet" — a plant which folds itself when touched and spreads its leaves once again after a while.
Unani Medicine
According to the Unani system of medicine, the root is resolvent and alternative, useful in diseases arising from blood impurities and bile, bilious fevers, piles, jaundice, and leprosy.
South and Southeast Asian Folk Medicine
Mimosa pudica Linn. (Leguminosae) is found throughout India, and the root of this plant is being used in traditional remedies for the treatment of biliousness, leprosy, dysentery, asthma, and leucoderma, while the seeds are used as an effective emetic.
Ethnomedicinally, the plant is used for the treatment of leprosy, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complications, inflammations, burning sensation, asthma, leucoderma, fatigue, and blood-related diseases.
Mexico and the Americas
In Mexico, M. pudica is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, menorrhagia, skin wounds, diarrhea, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pan-Traditional Range of Uses
In traditional medicine across cultures, M. pudica is used in the treatment, prevention, or management of various diseases such as cancer, diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, alopecia, rheumatism, edema, ulcer, conjunctivitis, wounds, hemorrhoids, cough, cholera, tuberculosis, biliousness, burning sensation, leprosy, and urinary tract infection, and also as an antidote for snake bite and scorpion sting.
In traditional systems of medicine, Mimosa pudica root has been employed to treat numerous disease conditions like jaundice, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints, inflammation of various tissues, fatigue, asthma, and leucoderma. Literature also cites the use of M. pudica as an antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic, and promoter of nerve regeneration. The juice of Mimosa roots has been applied to external fistulas, and a poultice of leaves is used in cases of glandular swelling.
3. Key Phytochemical Constituents and Mechanisms of Action
Overview of Phytochemical Classes
The main constituents include the toxic non-protein amino acid mimosine, various C-glycosylflavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and other phenolic compounds. These bioactive molecules are correlated with a wide array of scientifically validated pharmacological properties.
The plant contains active constituents including an alkaloid mimosine, mucilage, tannins, non-protein amino acid (mimosine), flavonoid C-glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, and fatty acids.
Detailed phytochemical screening across multiple solvent extracts has revealed a broad range of secondary metabolites. A wide range of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, amino acids, protein, inulin, steroids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, and tannins have been identified. LC-MS analysis has characterized phenolic acids including p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid from the roots and root nodules. Additional isolated constituents include two-hydroxy-flavanone, chlorogenic acid, 6-hydroxy-flavone, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, crocetin, catechin, L-mimosine, and curcumin.
Key Individual Compounds
- Mimosine (L-mimosine): The plant produces the non-protein and cytotoxic amino acid mimosine. Mimosine has been found to have potent antiproliferative and apoptotic effects. The bioactive and therapeutic effects of M. pudica are largely attributed to L-mimosine, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic compound in pharmacology; however, although L-mimosine has applications and potential beneficial properties, its toxicity is well documented.
- C-Glycosylflavones: Several C-glycosylflavones have been isolated from the aerial parts of the plant. Specific identified compounds include isorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin. These flavone glycosides contribute to the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Tannins: Roots contain tannin up to 10 percent. The plant accumulates a series of hydrolyzable tannins, which may, at least partially, account for the traditional antidysenteric use. Tannins also underlie the plant's anti-venom and antimicrobial activities through their protein-binding properties.
- D-pinitol, β-sitosterol, and sterols: Identified constituents include nor-epinephrine, d-pinitol, and β-sitosterol. D-pinitol has been studied for potential insulin-sensitizing effects.
- Mucilage (seed): Seeds contain a mucilage which is composed of d-xylose and d-glucuronic acid.
- Turgorines (phytohormones): The plant is reported to contain tubulin and a new class of phytohormone called turgorines, which are found to be active in the plant. The periodic leaf movement factors are reportedly the derivatives of 4-α-(β-D-glucopyranosyl-6-sulphate)gallic acid.
- Fatty acids: Identified fatty acids include linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.
- Alkaloids and biogenic amines: The plant contains mimosine, which is a toxic alkaloid. An adrenalin-like substance has also been identified in the extract of its leaves.
Antioxidant Properties
The total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of ethanol extracts of the whole plant, stem, leaf, and seed of Mimosa pudica have been studied for antioxidant activities. The ethyl acetate extract of M. pudica showed effective antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 21.39 ± 3.76 μg/mL in a Nepalese study comparing multiple medicinal plants.
Neuropharmacological Mechanisms
Many cultures have used the plant for medicinal purposes, and research reveals that its bioactive constituents may boost GABA action to relax and reduce anxiety. Animal tests show it decreases anxiety similarly to diazepam. M. pudica has also been found to control mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
The Mimosa pudica aqueous extract has been hypothesized to antagonize status epilepticus, epileptogenesis, and epileptic seizures. Research has investigated the anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic properties of the extract, including its effects on GABAergic and cholinergic transmissions, as well as the expression of BDNF in mouse models.
4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
Important overarching caveat: Despite the widespread therapeutic potential of M. pudica, no clinical trial and quality control studies exist in the literature. Clinical trials and quality control studies are recommended to establish safe and effective doses for the prevention and treatment of diseases. All evidence reviewed below therefore derives from in vitro (cell-based) and in vivo (animal) studies unless explicitly stated otherwise.
4.1 Wound Healing
The roots of Mimosa pudica were studied for wound healing activity by incorporating methanolic and total aqueous extracts in simple ointment base B.P. at concentrations of 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w), and 2% (w/w). Wound healing activity was studied in three types of rat models: excision, incision, and estimation of biochemical parameters. Treatment of wounds with ointment containing 2% (w/w) of both the methanolic and total aqueous extracts exhibited significant (P < 0.001) wound healing activity. The methanolic extract exhibited good wound healing activity, probably due to phenolic constituents.
More recently, due to their abundance as a rich source of ethnomedicine, medicinal herbs locally known as Lajjabati/Touch me not (Mimosa pudica) are utilized traditionally throughout Bangladesh. Mimosa pudica has demonstrated pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-proliferative activities. A comparative study in rabbits concluded that Lajjabati (Mimosa pudica) paste is more effective in the wound healing process than Cinnamomum verum paste, though Daruchini caused more tissue reactions, indicating delayed healing of cutaneous wounds.
Evidence strength: Preclinical only (animal models and laboratory studies). No human clinical trials are available.
4.2 Antimicrobial Activity
Studies identify tannins, steroids, triterpenes, alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids in Mimosa pudica extracts. The extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, measured using the disc diffusion method.
The in vitro antibacterial activity of different concentrations of the extract against four bacterial ATCC strains was determined by the agar well diffusion method. An in silico molecular docking model was also used to ascertain the antibacterial potency of L-mimosine against selected bacterial strains.
Evidence strength: In vitro laboratory data only. No controlled human studies.
4.3 Antidiabetic / Blood Glucose Regulation
Studies attempted to assess the antidiabetic activity of the leaves of Mimosa pudica Linn. in albino rats. Ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts were compared with Metformin as a standard drug (500 mg/kg). Wister strain rats were treated with Alloxan (150 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The Glucose Oxidase/Peroxidase method was used for the determination of plasma glucose level. The ethanolic extract showed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels.
Studies on the root extract of Mimosa pudica revealed a notable reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic models. The extract also improved pancreatic function, suggesting promising antidiabetic potential.
Evidence strength: Preclinical only (animal models). No human clinical trials are available.
4.4 Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
Comparable results from the effect of methanolic, chloroform, and ethanolic extracts revealed the ethanolic extract with the highest anti-nociceptive activity at 60 minutes at a dose of 500 mg/kg. M. pudica extracts showed similar anti-nociceptive activity to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.
Evidence strength: Animal (in vivo) studies only. No human clinical data are available.
4.5 Anticonvulsant Activity
Only a few pharmacological studies have been reported on this plant, which is claimed in traditional medicine to treat many diseases related to the nervous system. A notable study aimed to evaluate the effect of M. pudica in this system and particularly its anticonvulsant activity. Animal studies using decoctions have demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in rodent seizure models.
No prior scientific evidence had been reported about the antiepileptogenic and anticonvulsant properties of Mimosa pudica extracts in the mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy; a study subsequently hypothesized that the aqueous extract could antagonize status epilepticus, epileptogenesis, and epileptic seizures in this pharmacoresistant model.
Evidence strength: Animal studies only. No human clinical trials confirmed.
4.6 Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Activity
Many cultures have used the plant for medicinal purposes, and new research reveals that its bioactive constituents may boost GABA action to relax and reduce anxiety. Animal tests show it decreases anxiety like diazepam. Antidepressant benefits are enhanced by its antioxidant content, which lessens oxidative stress, a depression risk. M. pudica extracts produce imipramine-like antidepressant effects on rats.
M. pudica may offer anxiolytic and antidepressant benefits as a natural option, but most data come from animal research. Very little neuropharmacology work has been done on Mimosa pudica, especially on flowers. A few studies have shown that the neuro effects are not well established. More research should be done on this.
Evidence strength: Predominantly animal studies and in vitro work. No human clinical trials.
4.7 Anthelmintic (Anti-parasitic) Activity
Anthelmintic activity has been reported for seeds of M. pudica. In a study evaluating anthelmintic activity, different successive extracts — namely petroleum ether, ethanol, and water — using Pheretima posthuma as a test worm at different concentrations (100, 200, 500 mg/kg) were tested for bioassay involving determination of paralysis and time of death of the worms; however, petroleum ether was reported to have weak anthelmintic activity compared to ethanol and water extracts.
A crude alcoholic extract and aqueous extracts significantly demonstrated paralysis and also caused the death of worms in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the standard reference albendazole.
One study investigated the anthelmintic activity of M. pudica extract on Ascaridia embryonated eggs. Infection was done by single-dose administration of Ascaridia eggs (250) suspended in 0.5 mL of water on 4-week-old chicks. Treatment with M. pudica extracts and a standard drug started 23 days post-infection.
Evidence strength: Animal and in vitro (ex vivo worm) studies only. No human clinical trials.
4.8 Antiophidian (Anti-venom) Activity
Aqueous extracts of the roots of the plant have shown significant neutralizing effects on the lethality of the venom of the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia). The extracts appear to inhibit the myotoxicity and enzyme activity of cobra venom.
In a dedicated study, the effectiveness of Mimosa pudica tannins (MPT) in neutralizing the lethality of Naja kaouthia venom was compared with commercially derived tannins. Preincubation of MPT with N. kaouthia venom maintained 100% survival of mice after 24 hours. In the mouse group in which there was no preincubation, no protection against the effects of the venom was observed. M. pudica tannin was found to be more effective in neutralizing the lethality of N. kaouthia venom when compared to commercial tannic acid.
However, the study indicated the promising ability of MPT to neutralize the Naja kaouthia venom in in vitro experiments but fell short in its in vivo potential. As such, the use of Mimosa pudica as therapeutics for snake bites is questionable, as all the possible in vivo rescue studies and pre-treatment of the active constituents showed no protection against the affected mice.
Evidence strength: Mixed; in vitro results are positive but in vivo animal outcomes did not confirm protection. No human clinical trials.
4.9 Antifertility Activity
Several plants are traditionally used as birth control agents by rural people in India. Mimosa pudica is one of the folk medicinal plants commonly used as an antifertility agent in some parts of India. A pharmacological study was carried out to evaluate the claimed antifertility effect of the plant with the root extract.
Air-dried roots were extracted using methanol. Dried methanol extract of the root was administered orally to Swiss albino mice for 21 consecutive days. Estrous cycle, reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone), and number of litters produced were studied in both control and extract-administered groups. Intragastric administration of 150 mg/kg of M. pudica root powder to female rats altered the estrous cycle pattern, reduced normal ova, and significantly increased the number of degenerated ova. The methanolic root extract of M. pudica (300 mg/kg) was administered for 21 consecutive days after which estrous cycle, reproductive hormones, and number of litters produced were evaluated. Antifertility efficacy was evident in the prolonged estrous cycle and reduction in the diestrous phase. Further analysis showed a decrease in several litters and suppression of FSH, resulting in disturbance of ovulation and the estrous cycle.
Evidence strength: Animal (in vivo) studies only. These effects raise safety concerns for use in reproductive-age individuals (see Safety section).
4.10 Anticancer / Antiproliferative Activity
In contemporary medicine, Mimosa pudica is being investigated for its potential to yield novel chemotherapeutic compounds. It contains an alkaloid called mimosine, which has been found to have potent antiproliferative and apoptotic effects. These findings are preliminary and derive entirely from cell culture studies.
Evidence strength: In vitro cell culture only. No animal or human data demonstrating clinical anticancer efficacy.
4.11 Hepatoprotective Activity
In vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that M. pudica and its bioactive components possess hepatoprotective activity, among other pharmacological activities. These numerous pharmacological activities may be attributed to various bioactive compounds in M. pudica.
Evidence strength: Animal studies only. No human data available.
5. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Sensitive Plant
The plant is known to possess diverse biological properties, such as antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic activity, anticonvulsant activity, antivenom activity, antiulcer activity, antifertility, antioxidant effect, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory activity, wound healing effect, antitumor activity, antifungal activity, antinociceptive activity, and diuretic effect.
The following body systems and health domains are associated with traditional or preclinical pharmacological research on M. pudica:
- Integumentary system: Wound healing, skin inflammatory conditions, topical antisepsis, alopecia.
- Gastrointestinal system: The herb has been used traditionally for ages to treat urogenital disorders, piles, and dysentery, and applied on wounds. Also used for diarrhea and ulcer.
- Nervous system: Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative properties have been reported in animal studies.
- Endocrine/metabolic system: Antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects in animal models.
- Reproductive system: Antifertility (female); traditional use in menorrhagia and uterine prolapse.
- Respiratory system: Traditional use in asthma and cough.
- Immune / anti-infective system: Antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antimalarial activities.
- Toxicological / antidotal: Antiophidian (anti-snake venom) activity investigated experimentally.
- Renal/urinary system: Diuretic effect and traditional use in urinary tract infection.
6. Dosages Reported in Studies
The following dosages are drawn directly from studies and traditional references as reported in the literature. They are not recommendations for use.
- Anti-nociceptive (animal): The ethanolic extract at 500 mg/kg showed the highest anti-nociceptive activity at 60 minutes.
- Antifertility (animal): Intragastric administration of 150 mg/kg of M. pudica root powder to female rats. The methanolic root extract at 300 mg/kg was administered for 21 consecutive days.
- Antidiabetic (animal): Ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts compared with Metformin at 500 mg/kg as standard.
- Wound healing ointment (animal): Methanolic and total aqueous extracts incorporated in simple ointment base B.P. at concentrations of 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w), and 2% (w/w).
- Decoction for menorrhagia (traditional Ayurvedic): Fresh juice or decoction administered at 15–20 ml twice daily.
- Decoction for diarrhea/bleeding (traditional Ayurvedic): 10–15 ml thrice a day.
7. Safety Considerations and Notable Interactions
Mimosine Toxicity
Although L-mimosine has applications in food and potential beneficial properties, its toxicity is well documented. Adverse effects in farm animals have been reported due to the ingestion of L. leucocephala or M. pudica. These effects include body weight loss, alopecia, goiter, abortion, cataracts, infertility, excessive salivation, mouth ulcers, poor growth, uterine perforation, and fetal deformation. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have reproduced the harmful effects of L-mimosine previously observed in livestock.
Antifertility Risk
One of the traditional uses of M. pudica is as an antifertility medicine. In Assam, the roots of M. pudica are used in this context. Preclinical studies have confirmed significant disruption to reproductive hormone levels (FSH suppression, estrous cycle disruption, and increased degenerated ova) in female rodents. Its use has been advocated against various complaints but has not been scientifically validated in human studies to date.
Uterotonic / Uterine Effects
A study was undertaken to delineate the molecular mechanism of tocolytic activity of hot methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica seeds (HMEMPS) on isolated uterine strips of pregnant buffaloes. Myometrial strips were prepared and mounted in an organ bath. M. pudica seeds extract produced concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on buffalo myometrium with an EC50 value of 222.4 μg/mL, perhaps through inhibitory β-receptors.
Ecological and Agricultural Toxicity
In agriculture and veterinary medicine, M. pudica serves as a natural pesticide and nitrogen-fixing soil enhancer, though excessive consumption may be toxic.
Absence of Human Clinical Safety Data
Despite the widespread therapeutic potential of M. pudica, no clinical trial and quality control studies exist in the literature. Clinical trials and quality control studies are recommended to establish safe and effective doses for the prevention and treatment of diseases. This absence of human data means that the safety profile in humans cannot be rigorously characterized from published research.
High Tannin Content and Gastrointestinal Effects
Roots contain tannin up to 10 percent. High dietary tannin intake is associated with reduced nutrient bioavailability and gastrointestinal irritation at elevated doses. This is consistent with the known astringent properties of the plant as described in classical Ayurvedic texts.
Potential Drug Interactions
Given the demonstrated enzyme-inhibitory activity of various extracts, including alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition in vitro, diabetes is a metabolic disorder of high blood sugar levels, and the digestive enzymes alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase play a major role in the hydrolysis of starch to glucose; inhibiting these enzymes is considered an important strategy for the treatment of diabetes. Concurrent use with antidiabetic medications might theoretically potentiate blood glucose lowering; however, no human pharmacokinetic interaction studies have been conducted.
Summary of Evidence Limitations
Despite the widespread therapeutic potential of M. pudica, no clinical trial and quality control studies exist in the literature. Clinical trials and quality control studies are recommended to establish safe and effective doses for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The broad body of preclinical evidence — encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, anxiolytic, anthelmintic, antiophidian, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities — reveals that M. pudica and its numerous bioactive compounds have a strong therapeutic effect in preclinical disease models; however, despite this widespread therapeutic potential, no clinical trial data exist in the literature to confirm safety and efficacy in humans.
References
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