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Mimosa Pudica Extract

Also known as: Mimosa pudica Linn., Sensitive plant, Touch-me-not, Mimosa pudica

Overview

Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not, is a tropical plant recognized for its unique rapid leaf folding response to touch. Extracts, primarily derived from its leaves and whole plant material, have been traditionally utilized in various ethnomedical practices for their purported antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and L-mimosine, a non-protein amino acid. While preclinical research (in vitro and animal studies) has shown promising results regarding its diverse biological activities, high-quality human clinical trials are currently limited. Consequently, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically focusing on Mimosa pudica extracts in clinical settings are scarce, indicating a need for further human-based research to validate its traditional uses and explore its full therapeutic potential.

Benefits

Mimosa pudica extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research: - **Antioxidant Activity:** Extracts demonstrate significant free radical scavenging capabilities, with an IC50 of approximately 159 µg/mL in DPPH assays. This effect is largely attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are known antioxidants. The evidence for this is strong in vitro. - **Antibacterial Effects:** In vitro studies have shown that Mimosa pudica extracts (at 200 mg/mL) can inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae). Molecular docking studies suggest that L-mimosine, a compound found in the plant, may contribute to this effect by binding to bacterial proteins. The evidence is strong in vitro. - **Antidiabetic Potential:** The extract has shown in vitro inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, which are involved in carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption. While observed, its potency was less than that of Euphorbia hirta and the standard drug metformin, indicating a moderate level of evidence in vitro. - **Anticancer Activity:** In vitro cytotoxicity has been observed against various human cancer cell lines (lung, liver, colon), with IC50 values ranging from 5.85 to 29.74 µM for ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. L-mimosine also contributes to this activity. This evidence is moderate in vitro. - **Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects:** Animal model studies suggest that aqueous extracts of Mimosa pudica may possess anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties. However, human data are currently lacking, making this a promising but low-evidence benefit.

How it works

The mechanisms of action for Mimosa pudica extract are primarily understood through its bioactive compounds. Its antioxidant effects are likely mediated by phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The antibacterial activity may involve L-mimosine, which molecular docking studies suggest can inhibit bacterial enzymes like DNA gyrase and beta-lactamase, thereby disrupting bacterial function. Antidiabetic effects are thought to stem from the inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which can reduce glucose absorption from the gut. Anticancer effects are possibly due to cytotoxic phytochemicals inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of key active compounds like L-mimosine in humans are not yet well characterized.

Side effects

Comprehensive human safety data for Mimosa pudica extract are currently insufficient, as high-quality clinical trials are lacking. Acute toxicity studies conducted in animals have not shown significant adverse effects at the tested doses, suggesting a low acute toxicity profile in these models. However, this does not directly translate to human safety, and long-term effects or effects at higher doses in humans are unknown. There are no well-documented reports of common side effects from human use in scientific literature. Furthermore, potential drug interactions or contraindications with other medications or health conditions are not well established. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those taking other medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Mimosa pudica extract due to the absence of robust safety data. Allergic reactions, though not reported, are theoretically possible with any plant-derived product.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Mimosa pudica extract due to the absence of human clinical trials. The dosages used in experimental preclinical studies vary significantly and are not directly applicable to human consumption. For instance, in vitro antibacterial assays have used extract concentrations of 200 mg/mL, while anticancer in vitro assays have utilized concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 400 µg/mL. Traditional uses of Mimosa pudica also lack standardized dosing information, making it difficult to recommend a specific amount for human use. Without robust human safety and efficacy data, any self-administration of Mimosa pudica extract should be approached with extreme caution. There are no known upper limits or safety thresholds established for human consumption.

FAQs

Is Mimosa pudica extract safe for human consumption?

Animal studies suggest low acute toxicity, but there is insufficient human safety data. Long-term effects and safety in specific populations are unknown, so caution is advised.

Does Mimosa pudica extract effectively treat infections or diabetes?

Promising in vitro and animal data exist for antibacterial and antidiabetic effects, but these findings lack confirmation from human clinical trials. Efficacy in humans is not yet established.

How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Mimosa pudica extract?

Preclinical studies do not provide time-course data relevant to humans. The onset of any potential benefits in humans is currently unknown due to the lack of clinical research.

What are the main active compounds in Mimosa pudica extract?

The extract contains bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and L-mimosine, which are believed to contribute to its observed biological activities.

Can Mimosa pudica extract interact with medications?

Potential interactions with medications are not well documented due to limited research. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if taking other drugs.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9568293/ – This in vitro and in silico study investigated Nepalese Mimosa pudica extracts, finding high phenolic content and significant antioxidant activity (IC50 ~159 µg/mL). It also demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with L-mimosine showing potential to bind bacterial enzymes. The study provides strong preclinical evidence for antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8307580/ – This in vitro cytotoxicity study evaluated Mimosa pudica extracts against human cancer cell lines. It found that ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 5.85 to 29.74 µM, and L-mimosine was identified as an active compound. The research suggests potential anticancer properties in a laboratory setting.
https://core.ac.uk/download/524796799.pdf – This animal study (dissertation) investigated the effects of Mimosa pudica aqueous extract in albino mice. It reported anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and indicated no acute toxicity. While promising, the findings are limited to an animal model and require human validation.
https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2022-15-12-14 – This in vitro study assessed the enzyme inhibition potential of Mimosa pudica extracts. It found that the extract inhibited alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, suggesting antidiabetic potential by reducing carbohydrate digestion. However, it was less effective than Euphorbia hirta and metformin, indicating moderate in vitro efficacy.