Ethnomedicinal and pharmacological aspects of mimosa pudica plant

Mimosa pudica L. is one of the most recognized plant belonging to the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae. Originally, the plant is native to South America and Central America but nowadays it has been introduced to other regions too. The plant is commonly known as touch-me-not or sensitive plant due to its nyctinastic movements. These movements have attracted researchers globally for further in-depth exploration of this plant. 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. Phytochemical screening reported the existence of various phytocompounds such as alkaloids, sterols, glycosides, mucilages, flavonoids, tannins, non- protein amino acids, flavonoid C- glycosides, terpenoids and fatty acids etc. Among all compounds, Mimosine is found as the major alkaloid, which is might be responsible for its numerous pharmacological efficacies. Within this context, the present study is comprised of its botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemical analysis, pharmacological importance and clinical trials. Further research is still needed on its active components and associated structure-activity relationship and multi factorial signaling mechanisms. Moreover, enough placebo and toxicological research should also be conducted to justify its beneficial health effects.