Mimosa: A Comprehensive Encyclopedic Reference
1. Identity and Botanical Classification
The name Mimosa encompasses a substantial botanical genus rather than a single species.
Mimosa belongs to the Fabaceae family of legumes and consists of about 400 species distributed all over the world.
More precisely, the Mimosa genus belongs to the Fabaceae family of legumes (subfamily: Mimosoideae) and consists of almost 400 species of shrubs and herbs.
It is the second largest genus of the Mimosoideae subfamily, distributed mainly in South and Central America.
The genus Mimosa is found all over the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Australia.
In the context of dietary supplements and natural medicine, two species are of primary relevance:
- Mimosa pudica L. — the "sensitive plant" or "touch-me-not." Taxonomically, M. pudica belongs to the genus Mimosa, a large group within the subfamily Mimosoideae of the legume family, Fabaceae. Although native to the neotropics (South and Central America), its high adaptability and effective seed dispersal have led to its naturalization across pantropical regions. It is the most famous plant of this genus, commonly known as touch-me-not, sensitive plant, or shy plant. It is known in Sanskrit as Lajjalu or Namaskari, and in Hindi as Lajwanti or Chuimui. It has been documented as lajjalu in Ayurveda.
- Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret — also known by the older synonym Mimosa hostilis. Mimosa tenuiflora is the currently accepted scientific name, while Mimosa hostilis is the traditional name for the same species. The tree is of American origin, growing naturally in the southeast of Mexico, in Central America, and in Brazil. In Brazil it is also called jurema or jurema-preta, while in Mexico its traditional name is tepezcohuite or "tree of the skin."
Despite the great biodiversity of the genus Mimosa, phytochemical and pharmacological studies are restricted to about twenty representatives, of which Mimosa pudica and Mimosa tenuiflora are the most commonly investigated species.
1.1 Botanical Description
Mimosa pudica is most immediately recognized by its remarkable mechanosensory response. The movement is caused by a rapid loss of pressure in strategically situated cells that cause the leaves to droop. In the evening the leaflets will fold together and the whole leaf droops downward. It then re-opens at sunrise. This type of motion is termed nyctinastic movement. The leaves are also drooping in response to stimuli such as touching, warming, or shaking. The stimulus can be transmitted to neighboring leaves. These types of movements are termed seismonastic movements. The plant forms low mats or clumps, reaching up to 30 cm tall. Its pinnate leaves have 10–26 pairs of small oblong leaflets that fold inward within seconds when disturbed. The delicate pink or purple globular flowerheads appear in summer, each about 8–10 mm in diameter.
Mimosa tenuiflora is a larger plant. It is a perennial indeciduous shrub of the family Mimosaceae, widely spread in Central and South America. The bark is used in folk medicine as a traditional remedy to treat skin burns and wounds and to prevent inflammation.
1.2 Common Forms and Preparations
Mimosa pudica is prepared and consumed in several ways across traditional and modern contexts. Traditionally, the root, leaves, and whole aerial parts (including stems) are used in Ayurveda for decoctions, poultices, and powders. The whole plant, including roots and seeds, is also employed. In supplement form it is encountered as encapsulated powders, standardized extracts (typically ethanolic or methanolic), and topical preparations.
Mimosa tenuiflora bark is primarily prepared as a finely ground powder applied topically, as aqueous bark extracts, and increasingly as standardized hydrogels and creams for dermatological use. Today, manufacturers typically prepare standardized extracts that are incorporated into creams, gels, soaps, and sprays for cosmetic and dermatologic use.
2. Traditional and Historical Use
2.1 Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine (India)
Despite its invasive status, M. pudica holds a place of high esteem in various traditional medicine systems. In Ayurvedic, Unani, and other folk traditions, different parts of the plant—including the roots, leaves, and stems—are employed to treat a wide array of conditions. Its uses are extensive, ranging from the management of digestive issues like dysentery and diarrhea to the treatment of piles (hemorrhoids), skin diseases, leprosy, and urogenital disorders.
Ayurveda declares its root as bitter, acrid, cooling, vulnerary, and alexipharmic. It is used in the treatment of leprosy, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints, inflammations, burning sensation, asthma, leucoderma, fatigue, and blood diseases. A decoction of the root is used as a gargle to reduce toothache. It is considered very useful in diarrhea, amoebic dysentery, bleeding piles, and urinary infections.
The Unani healthcare system uses its root in the treatment of diseases arising from blood impurities and bile, bilious fevers, piles, and jaundice.
The plant has been described in classical texts as a plant which "folds itself when touched and spreads its leaves once again after a while." The roots, leaves, and flower heads of Mimosa pudica may be used by those who practice Ayurveda. The sensitive plant is commonly used for bleeding disorders like menorrhagia, dysentery with blood, mucus, and piles.
2.2 Traditional Use in Mexico and Brazil (M. tenuiflora)
The use of Mimosa tenuiflora dates back to pre-colonial American civilizations. This plant has been used for a variety of purposes, such as magic-religious rituals; as a medicinal resource with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cicatrization properties; for fence construction; and as a fuel.
It has been used for thousands of years, including by the Mayans, to treat burns. The bark of the tree was ground by hand into a powder and applied topically to the wound. Since the successful application to burn victims of several catastrophic incidents in the 1980s in Mexico, Mimosa tenuiflora bark got into strong focus of modern scientific investigation of skin treatment.
Mimosa tenuiflora is an entheogen used by the Jurema Cult (O Culto da Jurema) in northeastern Brazil. Dried Mexican Mimosa tenuiflora root bark has been shown to have a dimethyltryptamine (DMT) content of about 1–1.7%. The stem bark has about 0.03% DMT. The parts of the tree are traditionally used in northeastern Brazil in a psychoactive decoction also called Jurema or Yurema.
Popularly known as "Jurema preta," this plant is considered sacred in Afro-Indigenous syncretic religions and is used in various rituals in the form of infusions or Jurema "wines." However, these preparations do not produce psychedelic effects in consumers because they are not co-administered with MAOIs. Consequently, nearly all DMT is inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract, since these extractions are typically performed using only water and heat, which do not efficiently isolate DMT.
2.3 Broader Ethnobotanical Traditions
Various species of Mimosa, including M. tenuiflora, M. pudica, M. pigra, M. caesalpiniifolia, and others, have been reported to be used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Due to their potential benefits in phytomedicines, all parts of this genus are used in traditional systems of medicine in Mexico, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Madagascar, South America, and tropical Africa for countless ailments, including toothaches, head colds, and eye problems.
Traditionally, this genus has been popular for the treatment of jaundice, diarrhea, fever, toothache, wound healing, asthma, leprosy, vaginal and urinary complaints, skin diseases, piles, gastrointestinal disorders, smallpox, hepatitis, tumor, HIV, ulcers, and ringworm.
In Mexico, M. pudica is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, menorrhagia, skin wounds, diarrhea, and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Key Phytochemical Constituents
3.1 Mimosa pudica
Phytochemical screening of ethanol, methanol, acetone, and petroleum ether extracts of M. pudica identified a wide range of constituents including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, amino acids, protein, inulin, steroids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, and tannins.
LC-MS analysis 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 of M. pudica. Additional isolated constituents include 2-hydroxy-flavanone, chlorogenic acid, 6-hydroxy-flavone, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, crocetin, p-hydroxy-benzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, L-mimosine, crocin, and curcumin.
L-Mimosine
Mimosine is reported as the principal alkaloid of M. pudica. It is a non-protein amino acid. Fresh tissues also contain nor-epinephrine, D-pinitol (3-mono-methyl ether of inositol), and β-sitosterol.
The bioactive and therapeutic effects of M. pudica are largely attributed to L-mimosine, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic compound in pharmacology. Although L-mimosine has applications in food and potential beneficial properties, its toxicity is also well documented.
Flavonoids
Multiple flavonoid classes are present. Mimosa species are rich in polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., flavones, flavonols), lignans, and other phytochemicals, including alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and saponins. Quercetin has been identified among the notable flavonoids. Research suggests that Mimosa pudica is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with significant free radical scavenging (DPPH) capacity.
Other Constituents
Chemical constituents identified from different parts of M. pudica include nor-epinephrine, D-pinitol, β-sitosterol, alkaloids such as mimosine, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, quinones, phenols, tannins, saponins, coumarins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The seed mucilage has also received specific study as a potential pharmaceutical excipient.
3.2 Mimosa tenuiflora
The plant contains high concentrations of tannins and flavonoids, which are mainly used to treat skin diseases. The bark contains tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and other phenolic compounds.
The plant also contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a tryptamine alkaloid with psychoactive properties, which causes changes in humans' mental states. Dried Mexican Mimosa tenuiflora root bark has been shown to have a DMT content of about 1–1.7%. The stem bark has about 0.03% DMT.
Arabinogalactans — a class of polysaccharides — have been specifically characterized from M. tenuiflora bark and identified as active constituents relevant to wound healing. A significant in vitro stimulation of dermal fibroblast activity and proliferation by arabinogalactans from Mimosa tenuiflora provides a rationale for the traditional use of the bark material for wound healing.
Yuremamine, a novel phytoindole, has also been isolated from M. tenuiflora. The visionary effects of mimosa extracts may be due to more than just DMT, as other substances such as yuremamine have been found to possess psychotropic properties as well.
4. Mechanisms of Action
4.1 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Several isolated constituents of M. pudica have demonstrated specific anti-inflammatory activity at a molecular level. The ethyl acetate extract of M. pudica whole plant and its compounds have been studied for nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) inhibitory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and J774A.1 macrophage cells. L-mimosine (IC₅₀ = 19.23–21.15 µM), crocetin (IC₅₀ = 23.45–25.57 µM), crocin (IC₅₀ = 27.16–31.53 µM), and jasmonic acid (IC₅₀ = 21.32–29.42 µM) were identified as potent NO inhibitors when tested on the macrophages. Towards TNF-α and IL-1β inhibition, these four compounds, along with ethyl gallate, gallic acid, and caffeic acid, were found to be more active, with half-maximal concentration values of 17.32–62.32 µM.
4.2 Antioxidant Mechanisms
The phenolic and flavonoid constituents of M. pudica are widely attributed to free radical scavenging. Laboratory studies suggest these molecules can neutralize free radicals, modulate inflammatory pathways, and support collagen production and re-epithelialization.
4.3 Anxiolytic/Sedative Mechanisms
Bioactive constituents of M. pudica may boost GABA action to relax and reduce anxiety. Animal experiments have implicated the GABAergic system more specifically: results provide evidence that M. pudica manifests anxiolytic properties at low doses, in addition to sedative and muscle relaxant properties at high doses. These activities may modulate, at least in part, via the benzodiazepine receptor on the GABAA receptor complex.
M. pudica controls mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The flavonoids and alkaloids present in the plant are considered primary contributors: flavonoids and alkaloids in many plant species used as folk medicine exert anxiolytic activity; thus the anxiolytic activity of M. pudica extracts may be due to the presence of these flavonoids and alkaloids.
4.4 Wound Healing Mechanisms (M. tenuiflora)
The arabinogalactan polysaccharides extracted from M. tenuiflora bark have been directly tested on human skin cells. Tests were performed on human primary dermal fibroblasts and human HaCaT keratinocytes. Water extract (WE) at 10 and 100 µg/mL expressed loss of cell viability and proliferation in dermal fibroblasts. However, ethanol-precipitated compounds (EPC) at 10 µg/mL, isolated from WE, significantly stimulated mitochondrial activity and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. Minor stimulation of human keratinocytes by EPC was found only at 100 µg/mL level. This finding highlights that fraction-specific concentration is critical and that not all preparations of the bark have equivalent effects on skin cells.
4.5 DMT Pharmacology (M. tenuiflora)
The root bark is widely reported to contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent psychedelic tryptamine. This substance is nearly inactive when swallowed on its own because it is rapidly broken down during first-pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase (MAO). To be active, a MAO inhibitor (MAOI) must be administered simultaneously, as occurs in many ayahuasca-style combinations. No β-carbolines such as harmala alkaloids have been detected in M. hostilis decoctions, yet the root bark is consistently used without added MAOI. This presents challenges to the pharmacological understanding of how DMT from the plant is rendered orally active as an entheogen.
5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
5.1 Wound Healing and Dermatology
Species: primarily M. tenuiflora; some data on M. pudica
Among medicinal plants studied in the last decade for wound healing in clinical research, Mimosa tenuiflora was the most studied plant. Two studies reported its potential wound healing properties, with 100% efficacy for the treatment of lesions.
A controlled clinical trial examined M. tenuiflora extract in patients with venous leg ulcers. A controlled clinical trial involving patients with venous leg ulcers evaluated the efficacy of tepezcohuite for ulcer healing. The treatment group received an aseptic washing followed by topical application of a hydrogel containing M. tenuiflora extract, and the control group received the washing and a hydrogel with no plant extract. After 13 weeks, ulcer healing was determined through measurement of the lesion area. In the treatment group, ulcer size was reduced by a mean value of 92%, and all patients in the group exhibited improvements. In the control group, only one patient displayed therapeutic effectiveness.
A small randomized clinical trial in people with venous leg ulcers found that a hydrogel containing a standardized Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract improved healing compared with standard care alone.
Evidence assessment: Human clinical research is still limited, and many claims come from small trials, animal studies, or in-vitro work rather than large, long-term studies. The positive signals from the venous leg ulcer trial are promising, but the total number of human subjects studied remains small and independent large-scale replication has not been published. Evidence strength is preliminary to moderate.
For M. pudica, wound healing research has largely been conducted in animal models. It is concluded from rabbit model research that Lajjabati (Mimosa pudica) paste is more effective in the wound healing process compared to Cinnamomum verum paste in the same study. No published human clinical trials on M. pudica for wound healing were identified in the peer-reviewed literature.
5.2 Anxiety and Depression
Species: M. pudica
A series of in vivo studies in rodent models provides the foundational evidence for anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, with no published human clinical trials identified.
In an animal study using Swiss Albino mice, flower extract of M. pudica was evaluated across multiple behavioral paradigms. Significant p-values confirmed dose-dependent neuropharmacological effects. A 400 mg/kg dosage in the open field test clearly increased locomotion at 120 min, indicating enhanced exploratory behavior. The 400 mg/kg dosage significantly increased the time spent in the light compartment in the light-dark box test, confirming anxiolytic effects. The 200 mg/kg dosage greatly extended the time spent in the open arms at 60 min in the elevated plus maze test. The 400 mg/kg dose greatly lowered immobility in the tail suspension test, revealing antidepressant-like effects.
Another study using the leaves extract (EAMP) at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight in Swiss mice (compared to diazepam at 1 mg/kg as the standard) tested anxiolytic and antidepressant endpoints across the elevated plus maze, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests.
In a study assessing benzodiazepine-like effects, treatment of animals with gradual doses of M. pudica at 3 and 10 mg/kg led to a decrease of the latency to return to the central area. At the higher dose of 30 mg/kg of M. pudica and 4.5 mg/kg diazepam, symptoms of sedation were observed. The results suggest that M. pudica is anxiolytic at low doses and sedative at higher doses as assessed by the open field paradigm.
M. pudica extracts produce imipramine-like antidepressant effects on rats. Antidepressant benefits are enhanced by its antioxidant content, which lessens oxidative stress, a depression risk.
Anticonvulsant/antiepileptic research has also explored the GABAergic pathway. Ethnopharmacological studies revealed that the leaves and stems of Mimosa pudica are widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. One study sought to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Mimosa pudica leaves and stems against pilocarpine–picrotoxin kindling-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in mice and its implication on oxidative/nitrosative stress, GABAergic/cholinergic signaling, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.
Evidence assessment: M. pudica may offer natural management of anxiety and depression in addition to conventional therapies, but most data comes from animal research. There are no published human clinical trials assessing these endpoints. Evidence strength is preclinical only.
5.3 Antimicrobial Activity
Species: M. pudica
In pharmacological investigations, Mimosa species are mainly characterized by their antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity. Multiple in vitro studies have documented activity against bacteria and fungi. Extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, measured using the disc diffusion method.
L-mimosine, the principal alkaloid, has been specifically studied as an antibacterial agent. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the compound isolated from Mimosa pudica has substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. L-mimosine has been investigated as an antibacterial chemical through in silico molecular docking.
Evidence assessment: Evidence is in vitro and in vivo (animal) only. No human clinical antimicrobial trials for M. pudica have been published.
5.4 Antidiabetic Activity
Species: M. pudica
The antidiabetic property of M. pudica has been demonstrated predominantly in animal and cell-based studies. Phytochemicals from M. pudica leaves were extracted using methanol as the solvent, and the extract was found to be an antidiabetic agent. This body of study revealed that M. pudica and its numerous bioactive compounds have a strong therapeutic effect against various diseases, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Evidence assessment: Despite the widespread therapeutic potential of M. pudica, no clinical trial and quality control studies exist in the literature. Therefore, clinical trials and quality control studies are recommended to establish safe and effective doses for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Evidence strength is in vitro and animal only.
5.5 Anthelmintic Activity
Species: M. pudica
Anthelmintic activity has been documented in in vitro and in vivo animal studies. The herb has been used traditionally for ages to treat urogenital disorders, piles, dysentery, and sinus, and applied on wounds. Studies using extracts of seeds and leaves have been conducted against helminth species. Evidence in humans is absent; all existing data are preclinical.
5.6 Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Species: M. pudica and M. tenuiflora
The anti-inflammatory mechanisms described above (inhibition of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β) are supported by in vitro cell culture data and animal (in vivo) models. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that M. pudica and its bioactive components possess numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, anxiolytic, anthelmintic, antiophidian, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. No human randomized controlled trials specifically targeting inflammation endpoints for M. pudica have been published.
5.7 Antiophidian (Antivenom) Activity
M. pudica is used ethnomedicinally in several cultures as an antidote for snake bite and scorpion sting. In traditional medicine it is acclaimed that M. pudica is used in the treatment, prevention or management of various diseases including its use as an antidote for snake bite and scorpion sting. Research has evaluated the plant's root extract against specific snake venoms in animal models. Evidence is preclinical.
5.8 Anticancer Activity
Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, another species in the genus, has been investigated for cytotoxic properties against human tumor cell lines. Antiproliferative action was associated with detectable side effects in preclinical models. These biomedical discoveries validate the ethnopharmacological reputation of Mimosa species as emerging phytotherapy sources of lead molecules. For M. pudica, anticancer data exist only from in vitro and animal studies. No human clinical oncology trials have been reported.
6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Mimosa
- Integumentary system (skin and wound healing): Most substantial human evidence resides in this category, primarily for M. tenuiflora. Applications include burns, venous leg ulcers, surgical wounds, and general skin repair.
- Central nervous system (anxiety, depression, epilepsy): Supported by multiple animal studies for M. pudica; GABAergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways implicated. No human clinical evidence exists.
- Gastrointestinal system: Traditional use across multiple systems for diarrhea, dysentery, piles, and ulcers. M. pudica is utilized in Ayurveda and Unani for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Endocrine/metabolic system (antidiabetic): In vitro and in vivo evidence exists for glucose-lowering effects; no human trials.
- Immune system / antimicrobial: In vitro antibacterial and antifungal data for M. pudica.
- Reproductive / urogenital system: M. pudica is found to arrest bleeding and fasten the wound healing process, and is also used in herbal preparation for gynecological disorders.
- Hepatoprotective system: Preclinical (animal) data support hepatoprotective activity.
- Musculoskeletal system: Traditional use for rheumatism and joint inflammation; preclinical data only.
7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies
Dosing data for Mimosa in published literature are exclusively from in vitro and animal studies. No standardized human clinical dosing has been established for M. pudica.
- M. pudica — anxiolytic/antidepressant (in vivo, rodent): Studies have employed doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight (p.o.) in Swiss mice, compared against a standard of diazepam at 1 mg/kg, administered once daily for seven days.
- M. pudica — anxiolytic/benzodiazepine-like (in vivo, rodent): Gradual doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg were tested. At 30 mg/kg, sedative effects similar to diazepam at 4.5 mg/kg were observed.
- M. pudica — anticonvulsant (in vivo, rodent): Animals were treated with four oral doses of Mimosa pudica aqueous extract: 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg, for seven consecutive days.
- M. pudica — antioxidant/antimicrobial (in vitro): Antimicrobial activity was assessed using methanolic leaf extract at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/disc using the well-diffusion method, showing a dose-dependent increase in zone of inhibition.
- M. tenuiflora — wound healing hydrogel (clinical trial): A controlled clinical trial involved topical application of a hydrogel containing M. tenuiflora extract applied following aseptic washing, with healing assessed after 13 weeks. The specific extract concentration in the hydrogel formulation was not stated in the available abstract.
- M. tenuiflora — arabinogalactans (in vitro, human cells): Water extract at 10 and 100 µg/mL was tested on dermal fibroblasts. Ethanol-precipitated compounds at 10 µg/mL significantly stimulated mitochondrial activity and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts.
- M. pudica seeds — toxicity study (in vivo, rodent): Acute toxicity studies showed that the extract up to 5,000 mg/kg caused no mortality in rats (median lethal dose ≥ 5,000 mg/kg). Sub-chronic oral dosing at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 days was also assessed.
For traditional Ayurvedic preparations, one reported reference preparation is a leaf decoction made from 10–15 g fresh leaves boiled in water. However, this is ethnobotanical information, not a clinical dose.
8. Safety Considerations and Interactions
8.1 L-Mimosine Toxicity
The principal alkaloid of M. pudica, L-mimosine, carries documented toxicity concerns. Although L-mimosine has potential beneficial properties, its toxicity is well documented. Adverse effects in farm animals have been reported due to the ingestion of 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. The relevance of these animal findings to human exposure at supplemental doses is not established.
In livestock, hair loss from the ears, mane, and tail of cattle and horses and fleece loss in sheep are characteristic of mimosine toxicity. Weakness, loss of appetite, enlarged thyroid glands, and ridges in the hoof wall have also been associated with mimosine toxicity.
8.2 Repeated-Dose Toxicity (M. pudica)
An acute and sub-chronic toxicity study conducted with M. pudica seed extract found a favorable safety profile at high doses in rodents: M. pudica seeds are safe when taken acutely (p.o.) and showed no toxic effect in biochemical parameters for liver and kidney when administered daily for 21 days in Wistar rats. The extract up to 5,000 mg/kg caused no mortality in rats.
However, a separate study found a different picture with the whole aerial parts as a decoction: a decoction of M. pudica, administered orally at repeated doses, caused slight alterations that warn about the risks of its traditional use. This finding warrants caution with prolonged high-dose ingestion.
Toxicity studies on this plant are limited, which are essential to ensure the safety or any side effects of M. pudica when used in clinical and therapeutic applications.
8.3 Teratogenic Potential (M. tenuiflora)
Mimosa tenuiflora is a shrub/tree found in northeastern Brazil sometimes eaten by livestock and believed to be responsible for malformations observed in many animals from that region. The teratogenic compounds in M. tenuiflora are not known. This teratogenic signal in animals is a significant safety consideration, particularly given that DMT and N-methyl-tryptamine have been studied as possible contributors to fetal deformation in exposed livestock. This teratogenic risk in animal models makes the use of M. tenuiflora preparations during pregnancy a matter of serious concern.
8.4 DMT and Pharmacological Interactions (M. tenuiflora)
DMT carries meaningful medical risks, especially for people with psychiatric vulnerability or anyone on serotonergic medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, MAOIs, or certain migraine medications. When M. tenuiflora root bark preparations are combined with MAOI-containing plants, the DMT content can become orally active, with potent and unpredictable psychoactive consequences.
The DMT content of the plant means its legal status is variable and complex. Mimosa hostilis root bark is legal to purchase and possess in many countries for uses such as dyeing, skincare, or research. DMT, however, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and much of Europe.
8.5 Antifertility Effects
Mimosa pudica has shown antifertility properties in preclinical research. This is consistent with the mimosine-related reproductive toxicity observed in livestock. Implications for reproductive-age individuals consuming M. pudica-containing supplements have not been studied in humans.
8.6 Thyroid Effects
Goitrogenic effects of mimosine (enlargement and altered function of the thyroid gland) have been documented in animal toxicity studies. Individuals with thyroid disorders or those taking thyroid medications should be aware of this preclinical signal, although human data are absent.
8.7 Sedative Drug Interactions
Given the documented GABAergic activity of M. pudica extracts in animal models — producing benzodiazepine-like sedation at higher doses — potential additive effects with CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol, opioids) are a plausible pharmacodynamic interaction that has not been studied clinically.
9. Overall Evidence Summary
Both primary medicinal Mimosa species — M. pudica and M. tenuiflora — carry rich ethnobotanical histories supported by a growing body of in vitro and animal pharmacological data. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that M. pudica and its bioactive components possess numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, anxiolytic, anthelmintic, antiophidian, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities.
For M. tenuiflora, the strongest human evidence relates to topical wound healing applications, supported by at least one controlled clinical trial and a systematic review finding. For M. pudica, no clinical trial and quality control studies exist in the literature, and clinical trials and quality control studies are recommended to establish safe and effective doses. Across all pharmacological domains outside of dermatology, the current evidence for both species is preliminary, largely preclinical, and insufficient to establish clinical recommendations.
References
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