Mimosa pudica is called by different names in different parts of the world. It is called the sleepy plant, touch-me-not, sensitive plant, Chui Mui, Makahiya plant, etc. This plant is available in many South Asian countries but it is native to Central and South America. It is found largely in wastelands under the shade of trees or in other areas where there is shade.
The plant is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family and genus Mimosa. It is spiny and grows up to a height of about 30 cm. It has flower puffs that are small and globular and has compound leaves. The leaves respond to touch by rapid closing and slowly reopening after a few minutes.
Why do the leaves close upon touch?
There are many species in the plant kingdom that experience structural changes rapidly and is known as rapid plant movement. The receptors that are present in the body of the plant is activated due to which there are modifications in the shape of the plant. Among the plants that show rapid plant movement Mimosa Pudica is one nad hence called a sensitive plant. That is the reason people grow it as an ornamental plant. When the plant is touched there are specific regions in the plant which release potassium ions and many other chemicals in the body. These chemicals result in loss of pressure in cells as the water gets diffused out of it. That causes the leaves to shut when there is an external stimulus like the human touch. This is then transferred to the neighboring leaves too and even that closes.
What is the purpose of the closing of the leaves?
Though there is no proof of why the Mimosa Pudica developed the trick of closing the leaves on external stimulus many researchers believe that it as a sort of defense mechanism. It can be to prevent a herbivorous insect or animal from eating it by scaring them away from a plant that folds or droops when touched. It can also help in dislodging an insect that can harm the plant.
As exciting as it looks to the human eye this process of recoiling and opening consumes a lot of energy and hence the plant has to work extra hard to regain it back. Moreover, it is also found that rapid movement interferes with photosynthesis. Though it is great to watch the recoiling and refurling of leaves it is not in the best interest of the plant and hence should be avoided.
Chemical composition of Mimosa Pudica
As per the phytochemical screening of this plant, its leaves have many alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, etc. The root extracts contain essential oils, fatty acids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterol, and glycosides. It also contains a few phytochemical compounds like betulinic acid, jasmonic acid, mimosine and Mimopudine which are essential for health. An intro to Mimosa Pudica from Microbe Formulas shows that it contains antibacterial and antivenom properties that can be used to treat many general health issues like a sinus infection, healing of wounds, inflammation, fungus related issues and can even treat venomous snake bite. Using this plant extract daily as a supplement has many health benefits that make it a highly beneficial herb to have.
Health benefits of Mimosa Pudica
Treats small cuts and wounds: The leaves of the Mimosa Pudica plant have antibacterial properties that not only help in reducing pain but also heals the small cuts and wounds effectively leaving no scars behind. Apply the juice of the leaves on the affected area directly and repeat the process until it gets cured.
Reduces joint pain and arthritis: The shy plant has many anti-inflammatory properties that aid in relieving joint pain and also arthritis. A paste should be made from the leaves of this plant and should be applied to the joints. Repeated application of this paste every night helps in reducing swelling and also pain.
Reduces itching: The anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves help in reducing itching and the anti-bacterial properties ensure that the root cause is eliminated. The condition which can worsen due to constant scratching can be brought under control by mixing the paste made of leaves with sesame oil.
Reduces menstrual bleeding: The leaves extract has properties that can balance the hormones in the body and also bring instant pain relief from cramps during menstruation. The juice got from the leaves can be mixed with honey and pepper to treat excessive bleeding.
Acts as an anti-venom: Mimosa pudica has antivenom properties which can reduce the venom of even a cobra attack as per a study. The water obtained from boiling the dried root is said to have this property. But this treatment has to be done under the supervision of a specialist healer.
Cures piles: Mimosa Pudica is useful to reduce the bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant have to be powdered and mixed with a glass of milk. This mixture has to consume twice a day in order to get rid of piles.
Helps in diabetes and blood pressure control: High blood sugar levels in the body can lead to other complications. This can be controlled by the use of Mimosa Pudica as it releases insulin to the blood and thus regulates the sugar levels. The juice of the plant should be consumed for a week to 10 days to see the blood sugar levels reducing.
Along with diabetes, high blood sugar can lead to many cardiovascular diseases and by drinking the juice extract of this plant’s leaves the high blood pressure gets regulated.
Protects the liver: The plant extract is said to be useful in reducing toxins and protecting the liver. It also has anthelmintic properties that aid in killing and expelling worms from the intestinal tract.
Treats jaundice: It is a disease that happens when there is excessive bilirubin in the system, by consuming the juice of Mimosa Pudica for 2 to 3 weeks it can help in treating jaundice.
Mimosa Pudica is a traditional herb that has been used by practitioners as natural medicine. The health benefits that are mentioned above are also acknowledged by health experts and hence safe to use.
