An Overview of Mimosa pudica Linn: Insights from Ayurveda and Modern Scientific Perspectives
Author : Tabassum Pansare, Aparna Sole and Agatrao Aoughade
Abstract :
Mimosa pudica Linn, commonly referred to as the sensitive plant, shame plant, touch-me-not, modest plant, sleepy plant, and in Ayurveda as Lajjalu or Namaskari, is a creeping annual or perennial herb of the Fabaceae family. Cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its thigmonastic and nyctinastic responses, it has also been widely used in traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, it is recommended for the treatment of dysentery, uterine and vaginal disorders, inflammations, burning sensations, asthma, skin ailments, wounds, and hematological conditions. Phytochemical investigations have identified a wide range of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, the non-protein amino acid mimosine, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, mucilage, and fatty acids. Modern pharmacological studies have reported its antibacterial, antivenom, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, antifertility, antihepatotoxic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, immunomodulatory, aphrodisiac, wound-healing, and diuretic properties. Pharmacological research has validated the therapeutic potential of this plant. This review highlights the Ayurvedic significance, phytochemical profile, pharmacological potential, and medicinal applications of Mimosa pudica, while emphasizing the need for further research to confirm its safety and clinical efficacy.
Keywords :
Mimosa pudica, Lajjalu, pharmacological, phytochemical, Traditional uses.
