Mimosa pudica L.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 87

Mimosa pudica L.

Names.

Myanmar: hi-ga-yone, tikayon, kaya (Kachin), hta-muck (Mon), nam ya-hai-awn (Shan). English: mimosa, sensitive plant, shame weed, touch-me-not.

Range.

Pantropical, originating in the Neotropics (thought probably native to South America). Grows naturally all over Myanmar.

Conservation status.

Least Concern [LC] ( IUCN 2017).

Uses.

Whole plant: Bitter and astringent in taste with cooling properties, the five parts (root, stem, leaf, flower and fruit) are known to “calm” (reduce) phlegm and bile. A mixture of the crushed plant and water is applied topically to reduce edema. The liquid extracted from the whole plant is applied to treat inflamed sores; also used to make tonics and medicines to treat vomiting of blood, hemorrhaging, and asthma. The whole plant is also employed as a diuretic and antiseptic. Leaf: Crushed and applied as a poultice over the pubic region to treat excessive urination. A mixture of the powdered leaves and milk is taken for hemorrhoids. Root: Paste is applied topically to heal sores. A root decoction is given to dissolve gall stones and to promote urinary function.

Notes.

The medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991). Indigenous medicinal uses of this species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) are described by Dagar and Singh (1999).

Seeds of M. pudica contain L-Djenkolic acid which if consumed in sufficient quantities can lead to acute kidney malfunction, and also contain L-Mimosine which may impart goitrogenic effects ( Lan et al. 1998).

References.

Nordal (1963), Agricultural Corporation (1980), Forest Department (1999).