Mimosa pudica 含羞草

POISONOUS PARTS

Whole plant.²

TOXICITY

• Toxic Constituents

  Mimosine.^2,4

• Mechanism

  Mimosine inhibits the initiation of DNA replication. Rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles are particularly affected, leading to hair loss.^4,5

• Poisoning Features

  Poisoning is not well documented in humans. Feeds mixed with 0.5–1.0% of mimosine could cause delayed growth, hair loss and cataract in animal models.^2,4

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Supportive treatment.

IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

Diffuse shrubby herbs, 30–90 cm tall. Stems with reflexed bristles and scattered curved prickles. Stipules 0.5–1 cm long, bristly. Pinnae and leaflets sensitive; pinnae usually 2 pairs, digitate, 3–8 cm long; leaflets 10–20 pairs, 8–13 × 1.5–2.5 mm, margins ciliate. Heads about 10 mm in diameter, 1–2 heads axillary; flowers pink. Pods 1–2 × 5 mm, armed. Seeds 3.5 mm long, ovate.⁶

MEDICINAL USES

Uses in TCM—whole plant: cool blood and remove toxin, clear heat, induce diuresis, relieve accumulation, tranquilise mind and relieve pain; roots: suppress cough and resolve phlegm, drain dampness and unblock the collaterals, harmonise the stomach and relieve accumulation. Recommended dose: whole plant 15–30 g, roots 9–15 g.^2,7,8

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Mimosine can be detected by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.^9,10