Botanical Name : Mimosa pudica Linn.
Family : Mimosaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/158
Introduction :
Latin name : Mimosa – mimos = mimic, sensitivity of the leaves.
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Sensitive-plant,Humble-Plant,touch me not plant
Hindi : Lajjavanti
Kannada : Nacikegida
Malayalam : Tottavati,thindarmanni
Sanskrit : Lajjaalu,samanga
Tamil : Thottalsurungi
Telugu : Manugumaramu, muttavaplagamucettu
Unani : Chhuimui,Sharmili,Laajwanti.
Synonyms :
लज्जालुः स्याच्छमीपत्रा समङ्गा जलकारिका । रक्तपादी नमस्कारी नाम्ना खदिरकेत्यपि ॥ २७२॥
Lajjaalu, Laajavanti, Namaskaari, Samangaa, Sankochini, Shamipatraa, Khadirkaa, Raktapaadi, rakta mooli,
Morphology :
This thorny shrub grows 30 to 100 cms. in height. The stalk of the leaf is long and 4 leaves in the form of paw arise from it. Leaves resemble that of khadir leaves and close up on touching, hence the name lajjalu. namaskari.
Flowers – delicate and pink arise from the tip of flower stalk. They contain four big androceiums.
Legumes – 1.5 to 2 cms long and bear thorns. Each legume contains 3 to 4 seeds The plant flowers in winter followed by fruiting. It has one more small variety which grows 10.12 cms. High
Distribution & Habitat :
It is said that this plant was originally found in Brazil and now it is seen all over India.
Chemical constituents :
mimosine , turgorin, gallic acid, C-glycosylflavones, O-rhamnosylorientin
Properties :
Guna : laghu, ruksha;
Rasa : kashaya, tikta:
Virya : sheeta:
Vipaka: madhur
Karma :
Atisara hara, yoni dosha hara, sopha hara
astringent, alterative, antiseptic, , blood purifier
Srotogamitva :
Dosha : Kaphaghna. pittaghna.
Dhatu : Rakta (hemostatic – haemoptysis. haemorrhoids and menorrhagia); shukra (seeds – diseases of semen), asthi (uniting property).
Mala : Mutra diabetes), purisha (diarrhoea, dysentery and colitis). Organs Uterus (menorrhagia).
Indication :
Mandali visham, sopham, rakta pittam, ganda mala, kusta,diarrhoea, dysentery, haemophilic conditions, leucorrhoea, piles, fistula, hydrocele, glandular swellings
Part used :
Whole plant
Dosage :
Leaf juice 10-15 ml
Powder 2-4 g
Decoction 50-100 ml
Uses :
External Uses : It has uniting, wound healing and hemostatic properties, hence is used in wounds, ulcers and fistulae.
Internal Uses : It is a good astringent. It acts as a vasoconstrictor. thus providing relief in haemoptysis, menorrhagia and bleeding piles. Lajjalu is also a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory. Because of its astringent property, it is used in diarrhoea and dysentery Seeds are particularly useful in prameha and diseases of the semen. It is also useful in fractures and poisons.
Yoga / Formulations
- Lajjalu Kwatha
- Kutaja avaleha
- Samangadi churna
- Lakshadi churna
- Ural BPH capsule
IUCN Status : Least Concern
Research Updates
1. Wound Healing and Anti-inflammatory Activity
The extract of Mimosa pudica has been shown to significantly enhance wound contraction and reduce inflammation in animal models. These findings support its traditional use in promoting skin healing and managing inflammatory conditions.
2. Antidiabetic Effect of Root Extract
Studies on the root extract of Mimosa pudica revealed a notable reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic models. The extract also improved pancreatic function, suggesting promising antidiabetic potential.
3. Antimicrobial Activity Against Uropathogens
In vitro analysis demonstrated that Mimosa pudica exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against common uropathogens. This supports its traditional application in urinary tract health and highlights its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.
