Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant)

Few can resist touching the compound leaves of the sensitive plant and watching them fold up in
response.

A stalked flowering head of Mimosa pudica in the axil of a compound leaf (Photo: Wolfgang Stuppy)
Species information
Scientific name:
Mimosa pudica L.
Common name:
sensitive plant, touch-me-not plant, humble plant, shameful plant (English); for further common
names see 'What's in a name?' section below.
Conservation status:
Not considered to be threatened.
Habitat:
Open waste ground within tropical vegetation in its native range.
Key Uses:
Grown as an ornamental, its touch-sensitive leaves create interest among adults and children alike,
helping to inspire interest in plant life generally. It has many traditional medicinal uses.
Known hazards:
Contains the alkaloid mimosine (a hydroxamino acid of aromatic nature), which in large doses is
toxic to humans and animals. The plant stem is armed with sharp prickles.
Taxonomy
Class:
Equisetopsida
Subclass:
Magnoliidae
Superorder:
Rosanae
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Leguminosae/ Fabaceae - Mimosoideae
Genus: Mimosa
About this species
The sensitive plant is popular in cultivation around the world, and is enjoyed by many as a curiosity
due to its highly touch-sensitive leaves.
Robert Hooke (English scientist famous for his microscopy work, 1635-1703) was one of the first
people to investigate the movements of Mimosa pudica, and at that time it had been suggested that
plants had nerves and tissues similar to those in animals. It was later discovered that the leaves fold
as a result of the internal movement of water, and the mechanics of the process are now well-
documented. A stimulus, such as touch or air movement, triggers certain areas of the stem to
release chemicals, which cause water to move out of cell vacuoles and leads to cell collapse.
This rapid plant movement is thought to act as a defence against herbivores, which may be deterred
by the dramatic response, or if they are small, may be dislodged as the leaves collapse.
Genus:
Mimosa







PLANT OF THE WEEK
Dr. T. Ombrello - UCC Biology Department

THE SENSITIVE PLANT

Common names:
Sensitive plant, Humble plant, Mori vivi (West Indies) and Shame Plant
(Africa, Vietnam).

Scientific name: Mimosa pudica

Explanation of scientific name:
Mimosa - a mimic, alluding to the fact that the leaves are sensitive (Greek).
pudica - bashful, retiring, shrinking (Latin).

There are over 300 species of Mimosa that belong to the bean (pea) family
Leguminosae. This species, Mimosa pudica, is native to Brazil but is
naturalized throughout the tropics of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It runs
wild as a weed in the Gulf States.
Mimosa pudica is a perennial but is often cultivated as an annual in
gardens. The shrubby plant will grow to 18 inches outdoors with hairy and
spiny stems. Its flowers resemble little purplish puffs that give rise to inch-
long pods containing 3 4 seeds. This small species should not be confused
with the hardy outdoor tree Albizia julibrissin, commonly called Mimosa or Silk
tree.
Mimosa pudica is remarkable because of its: Nyctinastic movements - in
the evening the leaflets fold together and the whole leaf droops downward
until sunrise. Seismonastic movements - touching the leaves, or shaking the
plant, or slight warming of the leaves, or chemical and electrical stimuli, or
subjecting the plant to a lack of water, will cause the leaflets to fold together
and the whole leaf to droop downwards temporarily.
Movements by plants have fascinated people since the days of ancient
Greece. Written accounts describing movement by a plant (probably a
species of Mimosa) in response to touch have been documented to be over
2000 years old. Although viewed as an interesting phenomenon for many
years, a serious investigation into these movements was not started until the
19
th
century when it was discovered that the movements are the result of a
rapid loss of pressure in strategically situated cells that cause the leaves to
droop right before ones eyes. This evidence led to the rejection of the then
widely held hypothesis that Mimosa pudica plants had nerve and muscle
tissues similar to those found in animals.
The exact mechanism of how the specialized cells in the pulvini of the leaves
lose their internal pressure (turgor pressure) to cause leaf movement has not
been discovered. However, researchers have found that as the leaves are
stimulated to fold together and droop downward, changes in membrane
permeability of the cells in the pulvini occur that allow for the rapid movement
of calcium ions. This has been related to increased cell wall pliability in the
pulvini, which when coupled with decreased turgor pressure allows for
movement.
The stimulus to fold and droop leaves can be transmitted from one part of the
plant to another. Upon stimulation, changes in electrical potential progress
from the site of stimulation to other parts of the plant. In addition, an as of yet
unidentified chemical transmitter substance (hormone) can also be measured
to move from the site of stimulation to distant parts of the plant.
No one has tied all these bits of information together to come up with a
plausible, all encompassing hypothesis to explain the movement
of Mimosa pudica leaves, but a number of researchers around the world are
actively working on this mystery.
We can only guess as to why Mimosa pudica and a few other species have
evolved to exhibit nyctinastic and seismonastic movements. It has been
observed that folded and drooped leaves are not attractive to herbivores, and
are often passed by in favor of more normal appearing leaves to eat. Also,
folded and drooped leaves exchange less heat and water than fully expanded
leaves, and this might have some survival value when the plants are under
environmental stress.


Sensitive Plants, fully open and undisturbed, growing in
one of Union County College's greenhouses.
The same two plants, closed in response to being
touched.

Mimosa pudica (Common Sensitive Plant)
Scientific name
Mimosa pudicaL.
Synonyms
Mimosa hispidula Kunth
Common names
Sensitive plant, touch-me-not plant, humble plant, shameful plant (English)
Family
Fabaceae (Leguminosae): sub-family Mimosoideae
Origin
This species originated in tropical Central and South America.
Naturalised distribution (global)
Mimosa pudica is naturalised throughout the tropics.
Introduced, naturalised or invasive in East Africa
Mimosa pudica is invasive in Kenya (A.B.R. Witt pers. obs.), Tanzania (Tropical Biology Association
2010) and Uganda (A.B.R. Witt pers. obs.).
Habitat
A weed of wetter coastal areas. It is mostly found in plantation crops, disturbed sites, pastures, waste
areas, parks, lawns, gardens and along roadsides.
Description
A prickly, long-lived (perennial), herbaceous plant or small shrub with
a creeping (prostrate or decumbent) or sprawling habit. It usually only grows 15-50 cm tall, but can
reach up to 1 m or more in height when supported by other vegetation.
Mimosa pudica is not the only member of the legume plant family (Leguminosae) to move in response to
stimuli. More species of Mimosashow sensitivity to touch, known as seismonasty. Other legumes, for
example some members of the genera Neptunia, Acacia, Albiziaand Samanea, respond to a lesser
degree by showing 'sleep movements' (nyctinasty) in their natural habitats (Barneby 1991). This involves
the closing up of the leaves a few hours before dusk, and the re-opening of the leaves a few hours before
dawn. It is thought that these 'sleep movements' aid water conservation as well as defence against
herbivory.
Sensitive plant is an annual or long-lived (perennial) that normally grows to 50-70 cm tall (but can be up
to 1 m tall), and often takes the form of a straggling prickly sub-shrub (Burkill 1995). Its stems have
sparse prickles, 2-2.5 mm long, or are sometimes bristly, or can also be almost hairless. The leaves are
alternate, twice-compound (bipinnate), do not have prickles and are very sensitive to touch.
The rachis(axis of the compound leaf) is 1.5-5.5 cm long, and the pinnae (primary divisions of
the compound leaf) are subdigitate (almost finger-like projections). There are 10-26 pairs of leaflets (the
smallest segments of the leaf) per pinna, which are 6-15 x 1.2-3 mm and linear-oblong.
The flowers are lilac or pink (the colour mainly the stamen filaments) and are held in ovoid, stalked
heads of 1-1.3 x 0.6-1 cm. A cluster of 1-5 flower-heads is borne in the leaf axil. The calyx is minute,
about 0.2 mm long. The corolla is 2-2.3 mm long, and contains fourstamens. The pods are 1.8 cm x 3-5
mm, densely bristly, clustered, and have prickles along their margins.
Reproduction and dispersal
This plant reproduces by seeds. Each plant can produce over 700 bristled seeds which can be carried on
animal fur, feathers or on people's clothing.
Similar species
Mimosa pudica is similar to Mimosa pigra (giant sensitive plant) and creeping sensitive plant (Mimosa
diplotricha var. diplotricha), which both also produce pink globular flower clusters and have prickles.
These species can be distinguished by the following differences:
M. pudica is a relatively small plant, with a somewhat spreading (prostrate) habit, that has few-branched
leaves (with one or two pairs ofbranchlets). It produces relatively small pods (1- 2.5 cm long) that contain
only 1-6 one-seeded segments.
M. pigra is a large shrub with an upright (erect) growth habit that has large much-branched leaves (with 6-
16 pairs of branchlets). It produces relatively large pods (3-8 cm long) that contain 14-26 one-seeded
segments.
M. diplotricha var. diplotricha is an upright (erect) shrub or climbing plant that has much-branched leaves
(with 4-9 pairs of branchlets). It produces relatively small pods (1-3.5 cm long) that contain only 3-5 one-
seeded segments.
Economic and other uses
Mimosa pudica is popular as a house plant. It has been planted as a cover crop and for erosion control.
Environmental and other impacts
Mimosa pudica is a serious weed of crops and pastures throughout the tropics. It can also increase the
incidence of fires. M. pudica has been included in the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD 2010). It
has been listed as a noxious weed in the Northern Territories Australia.
Management
The precise management measures adopted for any plant invasion will depend upon factors such as the
terrain, the cost and availability of labour, the severity of the infestation and the presence of other
invasive species. Some components of an integrated management approach are introduced below.
The best form of invasive species management is prevention. If prevention is no longer possible, it is
best to treat the weed infestations when they are small to prevent them from establishing (early detection
and rapid response). Controlling the weed before it seeds will reduce future problems. Control is
generally best applied to the least infested areas before dense infestations are tackled. Consistent follow-
up work is required for sustainable management.
Hand weeding of older plants is difficult because the plant's prickles can break off and irritate the skin.
Hoeing can be used to remove the plant. Sensitive plant can be controlled by manipulating grazing
regimes but over or under-grazing can encourage its spread and grazing animals can spread its seed.
Herbicides such as foliar sprays of glyphosate are widely used to control the species. When using any
herbicide always read the label first and follow all instructions and safety requirements. If in doubt consult
an expert. Fire can be used as a management tool, but usually in combination with other methods such
as chaining. Fire alone may actually increase M. pudica densities by plant regrowth and
enhanced seed germination.
Although no work has been undertaken on the biological control of sensitive plant there is potential in
view of the success of biological control programmes against the related Mimosa invisa.
Legislation
Not listed as a noxious weed by the state or governments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
References
Editors
Agnes Lusweti, National Museums of Kenya; Emily Wabuyele, National Museums of Kenya, Paul
Ssegawa, Makerere University; John Mauremootoo, BioNET-INTERNATIONAL Secretariat - UK.
Acknowledgments
This fact sheet is adapted from The Environmental Weeds of Australia by Sheldon Navie and Steve
Adkins, Centre for Biological Information Technology, University of Queensland. We recognise the
support from the National Museums of Kenya, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI) - Tanzania
and Makerere University, Uganda. This activity was undertaken as part of the BioNET-EAFRINET UVIMA
Project (Taxonomy for Development in East Africa).














Mimosa pudica L. (Laajvanti): An overview
Hafsa Ahmad, Sakshi Sehgal, Anurag Mishra, and Rajiv Gupta
Author information Article notes Copyright and License information
Abstract
Go to:
INTRODUCTION
Mimosa pudica L. is a creeping annual or perennial herb. It has been identified as lajjalu in
Ayurveda and has been found to have antiasthmatic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, and antidepressant
properties. M. pudica is known to possess sedative, emetic, and tonic properties, and has been
used traditionally in the treatment of various ailments including alopecia, diarrhea, dysentery,
insomnia, tumor, and various urogenital infections. Phytochemical studies on M. pudica have
revealed the presence of alkaloids, non-protein amino acid (mimosine), flavonoids C-glycosides,
sterols, terpenoids, tannins, and fatty acids.[1] Two well-known movements are observed in M.
pudica L. (ojigi-so in Japanese): one is the very rapid movement of the leaves when it is
stimulated by touch, heating, etc., and the other is the very slow, periodical movement of the
leaves called nyctinastic movement which is controlled by a biological clock.[2] The leaves of
the sensitive plant M. pudica can adapt their closing response to electrical and mechanical
stimulation so that they reopen to repeated stimulation. The more intense the stimuli and the
longer the intertribal interval, the longer it takes to adapt. Leaves adapted to the effects of
mechanical stimulation can still respond by closing to electrical stimulation and vice versa.[3]
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BIOLOGICAL SOURCE
Mimosa pudica L. is a diffuse prickly undershrub belonging to family Mimosaceae [Figure 1].

Figure 1
Mimosa pudica flower head
Parts used
Whole plant, leaves, and roots.
Synonym
Laajvanti, Touch me not, and Chhui-mui
Classical and common names
Ayurveda Lajjalu, Namaskari, Samangaa, Samokchini, and Shamipatraa
Siddha Thottal Chinungi.[4]
Vernacular names
Sanskrit Lajja
English Sensitive plant
Hindi Laajvanti and Chhui-mui
Bengali Lajjabati
Telugu Attapatti and Peddanidrakanni
Tamil Tottaaladi and Thottalchnungi
Kannada Lajja, Nachika and Mudugu-davare
Malayalam Tintarmani
Origin and geographical distribution
The plant is a native of tropical America and naturalized nearly all through the tropical and
subtropical parts of India.
Habitat
Commonly distributed in open-spaces, especially road side, cultivated land, and waste area.
Propagation
By seeds and vegetative methods.
Description
Semi-prostrate, prickly course herb, or subshrub up to 0.5-m tall.[5]
Go to:
MACROSCOPY
Root
Cylindrical, tapering rependant, with secondary and tertiary branches, varying in length up to 2-
cm thick, surface more or less rough or longitudinally wrinkled; grayish-brown to brown, cut
surface of pieces pale yellow, fracture hard, woody, bark-fibrous; odor, distinct; taste, slightly
astringent.
Stem
Cylindrical, up to 2.5 cm in diameter; sparsely prickly, covered with long, weak bristles
longitudinally grooved, external surface light brown, internal surface grey, bark fibrous; easily
separable from wood.
Leaf
Digitately compound with one or two pairs of sessile, hairy pinnae, alternate, petiolate, stipulate,
linear lanceolate; leaflets 1020 pairs, 0.61.2-cm long, 0.30.4-cm broad, sessile, obliquely
narrow or linear oblong; obliquely rounded at base, acute, nearly glabrous; yellowish green.
Flower
Pink, in globose head, peduncles prickly; calyx very small; corolla pink, lobes 4, ovate oblong;
stamens 4, much exerted; ovary sessile; ovules numerous.
Fruit
Lomentum, simple, dry, 11.6-cm long, 0.40.5-cm broad, with indehisced segments and
persistent sutures having two to five seeds with yellowish spreading bristle at sutures, 0.3-cm
long, glabrous, and straw colored.
Seed
Compressed, oval-elliptic, brown to gray, 00.3-cm long, 2.5-mm broad, having a central ring on
each surface.
Go to:
MICROSCOPY
Root
Mature root shows cork 512 layered, tangentially elongated cells, a few outer layer crushed or
exfoliated; secondary cortex consisting of 610 layered, tangentially elongated thin-walled cells;
secondary phloem composed of sieve elements, fibers, crystal fibers, and phloem parenchyma
traversed by phloem rays, phloem fibers, single or in groups, arranged in tangential bands;
crystal fibers thick walled, 325 chambered, each with single or two to four prismatic crystals of
calcium oxalate; phloem rays uni-to-multi-seriate, two to three seriate more common;
secondary xylem consists of usual elements traversed by xylem rays; vessels scattered
throughout secondary xylem having bordered pits and reticulate thickenings; crystal fibers
containing one or rarely two to four prismatic crystals of calcium-oxalate in each chambers;
parenchyma, thick walled, scattered throughout secondary xylem; xylem rays uni-to-bi-seriate;
rarely multi-seriate, wider toward secondary phloem and narrow toward center; starch grains,
prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and tannin present in secondary cortex, phloem and xylem
rays, and parenchyma; starch grains both simple and compound having two to three components,
rounded to oval measuring 620 mm and 1628 mm in diameter, respectively.
Stem
Mature stem shows four to eight layered, exfoliated cork of tangentially elongated cell filled with
reddish brown contents; secondary cortex wide, consisting of large, moderately thick walled,
tangentially elongated to oval, parenchymatous cells, filled with reddish brown contents, a few
cells contain prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, a number of lignified, fibers single or in
groups, scattered throughout; secondary phloem consisting of usual elements, two to five
transversely arranged strips of fibers occur alternating with narrow strips of sieve elements and
parenchyma, crystal fibers elongated, thick-walled, containing single crystal of calcium oxalate
in each chamber; phloem rays thick walled radially elongated; secondary xylem composed of
usual elements traversed by xylem rays, vessels, drum shaped with spiral thickenings, tracheids
pitted with pointed ends, fibers of two types, shorter wide lumen and longer with narrow lumen;
xylem rays radially elongated, thick walled, 16 cells wide and 3-30 cells high; pith consisting of
polygonal, parenchymatous cells with intracellular spaces.
Leaf
Petiole shows single layered epidermis, covered with thin cuticle; cortex four to seven layered of
thin walled, parenchymatous cells; pericycle arranged in a ring; four central vascular bundles
present with two smaller vascular bundles arranged laterally, one in each wing.
Midrib
Shows a single-layered epidermis, covered with thin cuticle, upper epidermis followed by a
single-layered palisade, spongy parenchyma single-layered, pericycle same as in petiole;
vascular bundle single.
Lamina
Shows epidermis on both surfaces, palisade single-layered; spongy parenchyma, three to five
layers consisting of circular cells; rosette crystals and few veins present in spongy parenchyma.
Fruit
Shows single-layered epidermis with few nonglandular, branched, shaggy hair; mesocarp five to
six layers of thin walled, parenchymatous cells; some amphicribral vascular bundles found
scattered in this region; endocarp of thick-walled lignified cells followed by single-layered thin-
walled, parenchymatous cells.
Seed
Shows single-layered radially elongated cells; followed by five- to six-layered angular cells filled
with dark brown contents; endosperm consists of angular or elongated cells, a few containing
prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate; cotyledons consist of thin-walled cells, a few cells
containing rosette crystals of calcium oxalate; embryo straight with short and thick radical.
Powder
Reddish brown, shows reticulate, pitted vessels, prismatic and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate,
fibers, crystal fibers, yellow or brown parenchymatous cells, palisade cells, nonglandular,
branched, shaggy hair, single and compound starch grains, measuring 625 mm in diameter with
two to three components [Figure 2].[6]

Figure 2
(a) Stomata on M. pudica leaf. (b) Water transport system in M. pudica(800 800)
Go to:
BENDING MOVEMENTS OF THE CURIOSITY PLANT MIMOSA PUDICA-
Plant leaf movements can be mediated by specialized motor organs, the pulvini or can be
epinastic (i.e. based on different growth velocities of the adaxial and abaxial halves of the leaf).
Both processes are associated with diurnally regulated increase in the rates of membrane water
transport, which in many cases, has been shown to be facilitated by aquaporins. Rhythmic leaf
movements are known from many plant species but more recently a promising model plant to
study pulvinus-mediated leaf movements is M. pudica. The contribution of both plasma
membrane and tonoplast localized aquaporins to the seismonastic leaf movements inM.
pudica has been analyzed.[7] The bending movement of the pulvinus of M. pudica is caused by a
rapid change in volume of the abaxial motor cell, in response to various environmental stimuli.
The bending of the pulvinus is retarded by treatments with actin-affecting reagents and calcium
channel inhibitors. The actin filaments in the motor cells are fragmented in response to electrical
stimulation. Hence the study demonstrated that depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton in
pulvinus motor cells in response to electrical signals results in increased levels of calcium.[8]
The seismonastic movement of M. pudica is triggered by a sudden loss of turgor pressure. On
comparing the cell cytoskeleton by immunofluorescence analysis before and after movement and
evaluation of the effects of actin and microtubule targeted drugs by injecting them into the cut
pulvinus, it is seen that fragmentation of actin filaments and microtubule occurs during bending,
although the actin cytoskeleton and not the microtubules are involved in the regulation of the
movement.
TEM reveals that actin cables become loose after bending. On injecting phosphatase inhibitors
into several pulvinus to examine the effects of such inhibitors, it is seen that changes in actin
isoforms, fragmentation of actin filaments and the bending movements are all inhibited after
injecting a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor.[9] Special red cells are found on the adaxial surface of
the tertiary pulvini of M. pudica. Using anatomical (light, scanning and transmission electron
microscopy) and electrophysiological techniques it has been demonstrated that these red cells are
the real mechanoreceptor cells. They can generate receptor potential following mechanical
stimuli and they are in connection with excitable motor cells (through plasmodesmata). These
red cells are derived from stomatal subsidiary cells and not the guard cells [Figure 3].[10]

Figure 3
Mimosa pudica leaves (a) open and (b) closed
Mimosa pudica symbionts
Bacteria isolated from Mimosa nodules in Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
were identified as belonging to either the alpha- or beta-proteobacteria. The beta-proteobacteria
Burkholderia and Cupriavidus strains formed effective symbiosis with the common invasive
species Mimosa diplotricha, M. pigra, and M. pudica, but the alpha-proteobacterial Rhizobium
etli and R. tropici strains produced a range of symbiotic phenotypes from no nodulation through
ineffective to effective nodulation, depending on Mimosa species.
The largest significant effect was for M. pudica, in which LMG19424 formed 57% of the
nodules in the presence of 0.5 mM potassium nitrate. In the host, ammonium also had a similar,
but lesser, effect. Comparable results were also found using an N-containing soil mixture, and
environmental N levels are therefore suggested as a factor in the competitive success of the
bacterial symbionts in vivo.[11] The ability of Burkholderia phymatum STM815 to effectively
nodulate Mimosa species, and to fix nitrogen ex planta, was compared with that of the known
Mimosa symbionts Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424. Both strains were equally effective
symbionts of M. pudica, but nodules formed by STM 815 had greater nitrogenase activity. STM
815 was shown to have a broader host range across the genus Mimosa than LMG 19424
nodulating 30 out of 31 species, 21 of these effectively. LMG 19424 effectively nodulated only
nine species.[12]
Phytochemistry
Several studies have shown several biochemical substances involved in the contractility of the
leaves.[13] Fresh tissues give nor-epinephrine, d-pinitol (3-mono-methyl ether of inositol), and
b-sitosterol. Leaves contain alkaloids.[4] An alkaloid mimosine has been isolated from the
plant.[13] The preliminary phytochemical screening of the M. pudica leaf extract showed the
presence of bioactive components such as terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, quinines,
phenols, tannins, saponins, and coumarins [Table 1].[14,23]

Table 1
Phytochemical screening of Mimosa pudica leaf extracts
Roots of the plant are indicative of the presence flavonoids, phytosterol, alkaloids, amino acids,
tannins, glycoside, and fatty acids. Chromatographic procedures revealed that petroleum ether
fraction majorly contains flavonoids, phytosterol, alkaloids, and amino acids. Acetone fraction
has confirmed the presence of flavonoids. The chloroform fraction showed the presence of
alkaloids. The essential oils and fatty acids were majorly contained in the benzene extract [Table
2].[38]

Table 2
Detection of constituents in roots of M. pudica by chromatographic scheme
The yield of the plant material in various solvents obtained by successive extraction was found
out [Table 3].

Table 3
Successive solvent extraction of Mimosa pudica Linn. leaves
Crocetin dimethyl ester and tannin have been isolated from the plant. The mucilage from seed is
composed of D-xylose and D-glucoronic acid 4-O-(3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid)-b-D-
glucoronide.[15] The constituents were separated and purified by column chromatography with
macroporous adsorption resin Diaion HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, Tyopearl HW-40, MCI Gel CHP-
20, RP-18, and normal phase silica gel. Their structures were identified on the basis of physical
and spectral data. Four compounds were isolated and identified as:
7,8,3,4-tetrahydroxyl-6-C-[alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(12)]-b-D-glucopyranosyl flavone (I);
5,7,4-trihydroxyl-8-C-[a-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(12) ]-b-D-glucopyranosyl flavones (II);
5,7,3,4-tetrahydroxyl-6-C-[a-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(12) ]- b-D-glucopyranosyl flavone (III);
catcher (IV).
Compound I is a new compound and compounds IIIV were isolated from this plant for the first
time.[16] Cellular and chloroplast lipids of leaves of M. pudica have been analyzed.
Qualitatively the total lipid composition of this plant is similar to that reported for the
photosynthetic tissues of other plants. Chloroplast lipids show some resemblance to those of
algae. The cerebroside fraction of both leaves and chloroplasts contains a polyunsaturated fatty
acid (20:43) and a long chain sphingosine base whose R
f
value coincides with that from ox
brain cerebroside and not that of phytosphingosine from spinach[17] Jasmonic acid was
identified from M. pudica L. plants by mass spectrometry, high performance liquid
chromatography, and thin layer chromatography. Effects of authentic jasmonic acid on pulvinule
movement and transpiration of the pinnae were compared with those of abscisic acid. Jasmonic
acid and abscisic acid each at 10
5
M inhibited both auxin- and light-induced opening of the
pulvinules. A closure-inducing activity of jasmonic acid at 10
4
M was greater than that of
abscisic acid at 10
4
M. Pinnae transpiration was reduced by 10
5
M abscisic acid but not by 10
4
M
jasmonic acid.[18]
The secretory cells accumulate material that gives a positive test for carbohydrates and a
negative test for proteins.[19] Interestingly certain compounds with enzyme inhibitory activity
have also been isolated from M. pudicarecently [Figure 4].

Figure 4
Structure of chemical constituents
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EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
Identity, purity, and strength
Foreign matter not more than 2%
Total ash not more than 10%
Acid-insoluble ash not more than 5%
Alcohol-soluble extractive not less than 9%
Water-soluble extractive not less than 9%.
Thin layer chromatographic studies
TLC of alcoholic extracts of drug on Silica Gel G plates using n-butanol:acetic acid:water
(4:1:5). Under UV (366 nm) four fluorescent zones appear at R
f
0.35, 0.62, 0.69 (all blue) and
0.81 (bluish pink). On exposure to iodine vapor two spots appear at R
f
0.35 and 0.94 (both
yellow). On spraying with the Dragendorff reagent followed by 5% methanolic sulfuric acid
reagent one spot appears at R
f
0.35 (orange).[6]
Reverse phase HPTLC
A sensitive, simple, and reliable reversed-phase HPTLC method has been established for
quantification of mimosine in M. pudica L. whole plant powder. The plant powder was first
extracted with methanol. The residue was then extracted with water and the aqueous extract was
used for quantification. Chromatography was performed on silica gel RP-18 F254s plates with
ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acidwater, 6 + 1 + 1.7 (v/v), as the mobile phase. Quantification was
achieved by densitometric scanning at
max
= 282 nm in the reflectanceabsorbance mode. The
response to mimosine was a linear function of concentration over the range 30100 mg/mL in
the extract. The amount of mimosine in M. pudica was found to be 20 mg g/1 whole plant
powder. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness.[20]
NMR imaging
The water distribution in the pulvinus of Mimosa can be visualized by an NMR imaging
technique. After stimulation of a Mimosa plant, water in the lower half of the main pulvinus
disappeared, the water previously contained in this area seems to be transferred to the upper half
of the main pulvinus. Movement of the water in conjunction withMimosa movement was
visualized sequentially by a noninvasive NMR imaging procedure.[21]
Bioassay
Wherever a movement factor is suspected, its aqueous extract is prepared and tests are performed
on it as such or after separation into components, making use of the rapid reactivity of M. pudica.
In the bioassay in the climate chamber, a pinna of M. pudica is placed in a solution of the
supposed active principles and is observed. The movement factors are drawn up and cause each
pair of the pinnules to fold up neatly one behind the other. The reaction behavior induced by the
chemonastic stimulus of a Mimosa crude extract can be demonstrated as a function of its
concentration in a number of tests. Despite individual variation which can always be observed in
the bioassay, a clear decrease in the reaction time with declining concentrations can be seen.[22]
Fluorescence analysis
The powdered leaf samples as well as leaf extracts were subjected to fluorescence analysis on
long and short wavelengths in day light [Tables [Tables44 and and55].[23]

Table 4
Fluorescence analysis of extracts of Mimosa pudica L. leaves

Table 5
Fluorescence analysis of drug powder of Mimosa pudica Linn. leaves
Go to:
MAJOR PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Wound healing activity
The roots of M. pudica were studied for wound healing activity by incorporating the methanolic
and the total aqueous extracts in simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w), 1%
(w/w), and 2% (w/w). Wound healing activity was studied in three types of model in rats viz.
excision, incision, and estimation of biochemical parameters. Treatment of wound with ointment
containing 2% (w/w) the methanolic and 2% (w/w) the total aqueous extract exhibited significant
(P < 0.001) wound healing activity. The methanolic extract exhibited good wound healing
activity probably due to phenols constituents.[24]
Regeneration of sciatic nerve
An extract administered in a dose of 1.6 mg/100 g parenterally every 4th day up to 120 days in
rats having experimental injury of sciatic nerve, exhibited 3040% higher results in the process
of regeneration of sciatic nerve as compared to the hydrocortisone group.[4]
Antidepressant action
In Mexico, aqueous extracts from dried leaves of M. pudica are employed to alleviate
depression. In this study, behavioral actions of aqueous extracts of M. pudica at various
concentrations were tested. Rats having received saline (0.9%; 0.30 mL; I.P.), clomipramine,
desipramine, or several dosage of aqueous extracts from M. pudica(m
1
= 2.0 mg/kg; m
2
= 4.0
mg/kg; m
3
= 6.0 mg/kg; m
4
= 8.0 mg/kg) during a 30-day period were submitted to the forced
swimming test and to the test for differential reinforcement of low rates of response at 72 s
(DRL-72 s). Any possible anxiolytic action resulting from several doses (m
1
= 2.0 mg/kg; m
2
=
4.0 mg/kg; m
3
= 6.0 mg/kg;m
4
= 8.0 mg/kg) of extracts of M. pudica were compared with those
caused by diazepam (1.3 mg/kg, I.P.) in the elevated plus-maze test.
Results showed that clomipramine (1.25 mg/kg, I.P.), desipramine (2.14 mg/kg, I.P.), and M.
pudica (6.0 mg/kg and 8.0 mg/kg, I.P.) reduced immobility in the forced swimming test and
increased the rate of reinforces received in the DRL-72 s test; these data suggest that M.
pudica produces antidepressant effects in the rat. Diazepam increased the open-arms exploration
time in the elevated plus-maze test, but M. pudica did not show any comparable action at any
tested dose. M. pudica therefore produced an anti-depressant like profile similar to two tricyclic
anti- depressants.[25]
Anticonvulsant action
The decoction of M. pudica leaves given intraperitoneally at a dose of 1000-4000 mg/kg
protected mice against pentylenetetrazole and strychnine-induced seizures. M. pudica had no
effect against picrotoxin-induced seizures. It also antagonized N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced
turning behavior. These properties could explain its use in African traditional medicine.[26]
Hyperglycemic effect
Ethanolic extracts of M. pudica leaves given by oral route to mice at a dose of 250 mg/kg
showed a significant hyperglycemic effect.[27]
Diuretic effect
Decoction of leaves of M. pudica in doses of 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg in rats and dogs
exhibited diuretic activity (considering urinary output Na
+
K
+
Cl
-
excretion). The activity in rats
at 250 mg/kg dose was found to be 82% of standard diuretic (hydrochlorthiazide 2.5 mg/kg)
treated group of rats. There was significant reduction (above 50%) of Na
+
and Cl
-
excretion
without affecting K
+
excretion. The drug can be combined as a moderate diuretic with any
modern synthetic diuretic causing K
+
loss.
Effect on uterine bleeding
Aqueous extracts of root powder in pilot studies on patients with dysfunction uterine bleeding
gave promising results.[4]
Antifertility activity
Mimosa pudica is one of the folk medicinal plants commonly used as antifertility agent in some
places in India. Air-dried roots of M. pudica were extracted using methanol. The dried methanol
extract of the root was administered orally to Swiss albino mice for 21 consecutive days. Estrous
cycle, reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone) and number of
litters produced were studied in both control and extract administered groups by using standard
methods. Phytochemical studies of the methanolic root extract were carried out using qualitative
and TLC methods. The root extract of M. pudica has antifertility effect as it prolongs the estrous
cycle and disturbs the secretion of gonadotropin hormone in albino mice. The decrease in FSH
levels in the proestrous and estrous stages in the extract administered group compared with those
of control animals indicates the disturbance of estrous cycle and ovulation through suppression
of FSH.[28]
M. pudica root powder (150 mg/kg body weight) when administered intragastrically, altered the
estrous cycle pattern in female Rattus norvegicus. Nucleated and cornified cells were absent in
all rats. The smear was characterized by leucocytes only, as in diestrus, which persisted for 2
weeks. There was a significant reduction in the number of ova in rats with the root powder
compared with the control rats, and a significant increase in the number of degenerated ova.[29]
Spasmogenetic potential
Ethanol extracts (50%) of the whole plant exhibited spasmogenetic activity in isolated guinea pig
ileum.[4]
Antihepatotoxic and antioxidant potential
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to be responsible for pathogenesis of various
diseases affecting tissues and the main organ, the liver. Hence, in this study, the extent of lipid
peroxidation (LPO) and ROS elimination and its defense mechanisms by the enzymic and
nonenzymic antioxidants in liver and serum was investigated. Hepatotoxicity was manifested by
significantly decreased (P < 0.05) levels in the activities of the enzymic antioxidants such as
superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase, and the non-enzymic
antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin-C in rats with induced hepatic damage by ethanol.
Simultaneous administration of the leaf extract M. pudica along with the toxin ethanol in rats
showed a considerable protection against the toxin-induced oxidative stress and liver damage as
evidence by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in antioxidant activities. The study reveals that the
co-administration of the M. pudica aqueous extract significantly lowered the level of lipid
peroxidation in alcohol-fed mice.[30]
Antivenom activity
The aqueous root extract of M. pudica dose dependently inhibited the hyaluronidase and protease
activities of Indian snakes (Naja naja, Vipera russelii, and Echis carinatus) venom.
Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of dried roots of M. pudica were tested for their inhibitory
activity on lethality, myotoxicity, and toxic enzymes of Naja kaouthia venom. The aqueous
extract, particularly the normal water extract, displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the
lethality, myotoxicity, and tested enzyme activities of venom compared with alcoholic extracts.
The present findings suggest that an aqueous extract of M. pudica root possesses compound(s),
which inhibit the activity of cobra venom.[31]
Antimicrobial properties
Antimicrobial activity of the successive extracts of M. pudica whole plant in petroleum ether,
chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water was studied against various Gram positive and
Gram negative bacterial strains using the zone of inhibition. Both the agar well diffusion method
and agar disc diffusion method were used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the said plant
extracts. The microorganisms used in the test were: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Staphylococcus albus, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella
paratyphi B, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanolic extract of said plant was determined
by the agar well diffusion method. The reference antibiotics chloramphenicol and ampicillin
were also tested against the said microorganisms used in the assay and the results were compared
with that of the plant extracts. The results of the study revealed that the M. pudica whole plant
extract possesses good antimicrobial activity between the range of 718 mm against the
pathogens used for screening.[32]
Antifungal activity
The methanolic extract and aqueous extract of 100, 200, and 500 mg were tested against
different fungal pathogens, Aspergillus fumigates for their antifungal activity. It was
demonstrated by a well diffusion assay.[14]
Antiviral properties
Four of the seven tested medicinal plants exhibited antimicrobial activity against Vibrio
cholerae. These seven plants are: Ficus capensis, Mitragyna stipulosa, Entada Africana,
Piliostigma reticulatum, Terminalia avicennoides, M. pudica, and Lannea acid. M.
pudica showed antimicrobial activity. Potential of these herbs in the control of cholera needs to
be determined.[33]
Aphrodisiac property
This study was aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanolic extract of roots of M. pudica Linn.
(Mimosae) on libido of sexually normal Swiss albino male mice. The suspension of the extract
was administered orally at the dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg, to different groups of male mice
(n = 6) once a day for 7 days. The female albino mice involved in mating were made receptive
by hormonal treatment. The general libido and potency were determined and compared with the
standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. A change in hormonal parameter like testosterone was
evaluated. Oral administration of the extract significantly increased the libido and hormonal
levels of testosterone. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of 500
mg/kg. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of roots of M. pudica Linn. (Mimosae)
produced a significant and sustained increase in the aphrodisiac activity of normal male mice,
without any adverse effects.[34]
Go to:
USES
Classical/traditional uses
Charak and Sushruta prescribed a decoction, with Samangaa as an important ingredient in
hemothermia, piles, diarrhea, and persistent dysentery. Included in an ointment, the herb was
applied over piles, ulcers, and wounds.
During 16th century, Lajjalu was a popular herb for treating piles and diseases of female genital
tract. Samangaadi churna is available over the counter, prescribed internally in bleeding piles.[4]
Therapeutic uses
Raktapita, atisara, yoniroga, sopha, daha, svasa, vrana, and kustha.[6] The plant is sheetala
(Sheetaveerya), tikta, kashaya; subdues deranged kapha and pitta beneficial in hemorrhagic
diseases, diarrhea, and gynecological disorders.[15]
Leaves
The leaves together with leaves from other medicinal plants are used in treating hemorrhoids and
urinary infections.[5] The juice is used in sinus, sores, piles, and fistula, paste is applied to
glandular swellings, and hydrocele.
Roots
Decoction is efficacious in gravel and other urinary complaints.[15] Treats dysentery, fever,
syphilis, leprosy, stomach worms, veneral diseases, insect bite, insomnia, nervousness, and
piles.[5]
Some endemic uses of Mimosa
As Chhuimui, leaves used for increasing the sexual potency in men in Kurukshetra
District (Haryana), India.
As Laajvanti; its leaves and roots are used for gravel and other kidney diseases, also for
piles and fistula in the Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The roots are also used in
an oral snakebite remedy.
As Lazaoni, root decoction is gargled for gum trouble and toothache by Rahba in West
Bengal.
As Punyo-sisa; leaves are used in pillows to induce sleep in children and the elderly in
Ecuador.[35]
In Orissa (Kandhamal district) as Lajakulilata: The warmed root paste is plastered with
the help of a cloth on boils to get relief. The paste of root fried in castor oil is applied on
deep cut wounds to stop bleeding and for healing. The warmed leaf paste is applied
around furuncle, abscess, and boils to burst and release of pus. The leaf paste is applied
on the burst boils and itches for quick healing. The paste of root fried in ghee is applied
on caries teeth for relief from toothache. The leaf paste is applied on forehead to get relief
from headache and migraine. The leaf paste with honey is prescribed twice a day in
empty stomach for 34 days for stomach ache and intestinal worms.[36]
Mimosa mucilage as a sustained release excipient
This study was conducted to investigate the sustained release properties of M. pudica seed
mucilage. Matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium containing different proportions of mucilage and
dibasic calcium phosphate as diluent were formulated by the wet granulation method. The tablets
had uniform physical appearance, average weight, drug content, and adequate hardness. The
results of in vitro release conducted using an USP type II dissolution rate apparatus, in a
dissolution media comprising of 900 mL of 0.1 N HCl for 2 h followed by phosphate buffer (pH
6.8) for 24 h at 37 C and 50 rpm, revealed that as proportion of mucilage in the matrix was
increased there was corresponding decrease in the release of drug.
Further, the matrix tablets were found to release the drug following Higuchi square root kinetics,
with the mechanism of release being diffusion for tablets containing higher proportion of
mucilage and a combination of matrix erosion and diffusion for tablets containing smaller
proportion of mucilage. The swelling and erosion studies revealed that, as the proportion of
mucilage in tablets was increased, there was a corresponding increase in percent swelling and a
decrease in percent erosion of tablets. The SEM photomicrographs showed gelling structures in
tablets containing higher percentage of mucilage, while both pores and gelling structures were
present on the surface of tablets containing smaller proportion of mucilage and commercial
formulation. On comparative evaluation, the dissolution profile from formulation containing
mucilage to drug in the proportion of 1:40 was found to be similar to the commercial sustained
release formulation of diclofenac.[37]
Toxicity
The brine shrimp lethality assay (BSL) has been used routinely in the primary screening of the
crude extracts as well as the isolated compounds to assess the toxicity toward brine shrimps,
which could also provide an indication of possible cytotoxic properties of the test materials. It
has been established that the cytotoxic compounds usually show good activity in the BSL assay,
and this assay can be recommended as a guide for the detection of antitumor and pesticidal
compounds because of its simplicity and cost effectiveness. The extracts of M. pudica did not
show any significant toxicity toward brine shrimps in the BSL assay. Owing to a high degree of
lipophilicity, the n-hexane extract could not be tested. Whereas the LD
50
value of the DCM and
MeOH extracts of M. pudica was 1.0 mg/mL. The LD
50
value of the positive control,
podophyllotoxin, was 2.8 10
-3
mg/mL.[1]
Formulations
Samangaadi Churna, Kutajavaleha, Pusyanug Churna, Bhret Gangadhara Churna.
Dose
1020 g of drug for decoction.[6]
Go to:
CONCLUSIONS
The plant prominently features in the texts of Ayurveda, i.e. the traditional Indian system of
medicine, which prompted the authors to compile the published data and to critically analyze it,
and is an honest, though rather the preliminary attempt for the preparation of the plant
monograph. The review presented a brief profile of M. pudica, a plant associated with fond
memories of almost every Indian childhood (chhui-mui). The literature claims that there is vast
potential in this herb in view of therapeutics and furthermore, commercialization of this herb
would be in line with the WHO guidelines (developing country needs to give more emphasis on
exploration of their natural resources like medicinal plants) is highly desirable for the benefits of
humanity. It is suggestive of greater benefits as it is economically viable, easily available and a
reservoir of significant medicinal properties.[39]
Go to:
Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Go to:
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2. Ueda M, Yamamura S. The chemistry of leaf movement in Mimosa
pudica L. Tetrahedron. 1999;55:1093748.
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4. Khare CP. Encyclopedia of Indian Medicinal Plants. Germany: Springer; 2004. pp. 3134.
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(Lond) 2008;101:14.[PMC free article] [PubMed]
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pulvinus movement of Mimosa pudica. Plant Signal Behav. 2008;3:95460. [PMC free
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11. Elliot GN, Chou JH, Chen WM, Bloemberg GV, Bontemps C, Maartinez RE, et al.
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12. Elliot GN, Chen WM, Chou JH, Wang HC, Sheu SY, Perin L, et al. Burkholderia phymatum
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13. Jha NK. Mimosa pudica: Lajjalu. Phytopharm. 2007;8:38.
14. Gandhiraja N, Sriram S, Meena V, Srilakshmi K, Sasikumar C, Rajeshwari R. Phytochemical
Screening And Antimicrobial Activity of the Plant Extracts of Mimosa pudica L. Against
Selected Microbes. Ethnobotanical Leaflets. 2009;13:61824.
15. Chatterjee A, Pakrashi SC. The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: National
Institute of Science Commission and Information Resources; 2006. pp. 656.
16. Yuan K, Lu JL, Yin MW. Chemical constituents of C-glycosylflavones from Mimosa
pudica. Yao Xue Xue bao. 2006;41:4358. [PubMed]
17. Choudhary MD, Chakrabarti P. Cellular and chloroplast lipid composition of the leaves
of Mimosa pudica.Phytochemistry. 1980;19:51923.
18. Tsurumi S, Asahi Y. Identification of jasmonic acid in Mimosa pudica and its inhibitory
effect on auxin- and light-induced opening of the pulvinules. Physiologia
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19. Katherine E. On the phloem of Mimosa pudica L. Ann Bot. 1970;34:50514.
20. Nair LS, Menon SN, Shailajan S, Baing MM, Sane RT. Reversed-phase-high-performance-
thin-layer-chroamtographic-quantification of mimosine from whole plant of Mimosa
pudica Linn. J Planar Chromatogr.2007;20:4951.
21. Tamiya T, Miyazaki T, Ishikawa H, Iriguchi N, Maki T, Matsumoto JJ, et al. Movement of
Water in Conjunction with Plant Movement Visualized by NMR Imaging. J
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Appl Chem.1982;54:250114.
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wound healing activity of root of Mimosa pudica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124:3115. [PubMed]
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Anticonvulsant activity of Mimosa pudica decoction. Fitoterapia. 2004;75:30914. [PubMed]
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pudica Linn. Fitoterapia. 2002;73:3512. [PubMed]
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vaginal estrous and serum hormones for screening of antifertility activity in albino
mice. Contraception. 2007;76:4825. [PubMed]
29. Valsala S, Karpagaganapathy PR. Effect of Mimosa pudica root powder on oestrous cycle
and ovulation in cycling female albino rat, Rattus norvegicus. Phytother Res. 2002;16:190
2. [PubMed]
30. Nazeema TH, Brindha V. Antihepatotoxic and antioxidant defense potential of Mimosa
pudica. Int J Drug Disc. 2009;1:14.
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Naja kaouthia venom by Mimosa pudica root extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;75:55
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32. Pawaskar SM, Kale KU. Antibacterial activity of successive extracts of Mimosa
pudica. Indian Drugs.2006;43:47680.
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Res. 2010;2:10814.








The Sensitive Plant - Mimosa Pudica

The 'sensitive plant', Mimosa pudica, also known as 'humble plant', or 'touch-me-
not', is a source of fascination to adults and children alike. When you gently touch
the narrow fern-like leaflets they almost instantaneously fold together and the
leaf stalk droops. This sometimes sets off a chain reaction, with several leaf stalks falling
on top of one another, causing the collapse of a whole section of foliage, or perhaps the
whole plant. When left to its own devices, the plant gradually returns to normal, this
taking up to about half an hour. This touch-induced movement of leaves is known
scientifically as thigmonasty, and is thought to be a defensive mechanism against
grazers.
At night, the leaves will also fold and bend in movements known as nyctonastic
movements (reaction to absence of light).
Similar to the situation with the Venus fly trap, some authorities say that it may be
unwise to stimulate the plant too often, as it appears that some specimens react less
quickly, and therefore less efficiently under such circumstances.
The scientific name of 'Sensitive Plant', Mimosa pudica is derived from the
Greek, Mimosa meaning 'a mimic' which alludes to the sensitivity of the leaves; and the
Latin pudica, meaning bashful, retiring or shrinking.
Description
In temperate climates, the sensitive plant is grown mainly as an indoor plant, usually for
its fascinating behaviour. It is a shrub-like plant, growing to a height of about 60cm. The
stem is upright, much branching and sparsely coated with fine, white hairs; and thus the
plant has a prickly feel.
The leaves are bipinnate, meaning that they are compound leaves consisting of many
leaflets arranged on side-branches off the main axis. These leaflets are called pinnae,
and these are sub-divided into many little leaflets called pinnules, thus giving the plant
a fern-like appearance. The pinnae are 2.5 to 5cm long and are made up of elliptical,
0.5cm long pinnules arranged in rows of opposite pairs.
The plant flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with clusters of five to eight fluffy,
ball-shaped pale mauve-pink flowers on short stalks growing from the leaf axils. Each





flower consists of hundreds of fine filaments, thus giving it the appearance of a fluffy
pompon, with a diameter of 0.5 to 1cm.
Robert Hooke
Robert Hooke is credited as the inventor of a useable two-lensed microscope and, in his
main work, Micrographia (1667), he was the first to describe plant cells, which he
observed in cork tissue. Besides his microscopical studies, Hooke also worked on
physiological processes and, at the request of Charles II1 of England, was one of the first
people to investigate the movements of M. pudica.
Up until about this time, there was a widely held hypothesis that Mimosa pudica plants
had nerve and muscle tissues similar to those found in animals. Hooke, however,
attributed the wilting of the petiole and subordinate portions of the compound leaf that
it supports, to a loss of turgescence due to the 'exhaling' (excretion) of a 'subtle humour'
(very delicate liquid). This, to some extent, foreshadowed the modern view, which
attributes the collapse of the cells to the escape of water from the cell cytoplasm through
the cell walls into the intracellular spaces, by some mechanism that is still not fully
understood.
Later on, in the 19th Century, it was discovered that the plant movements are the result
of a rapid loss of internal pressure (turgor pressure) in strategically situated cells in
regions of the plant called 'pulvini2. Researchers have found that as the leaves are
stimulated, there are changes in membrane permeability of the cells in the pulvini,
which allow for the rapid movement of calcium ions. This has been related to increased
cell wall pliability in the pulvini, which when coupled with decreased turgor pressure
allows for movement.
Distribution and Range
M. pudica was first described from Brazil and is probably native to most or all of the
New World Tropics. Today, it is considered to be a pan tropical weed where it is
common in rather moist waste ground, in lawns, in open plantations, and in weedy
thickets. It forms a dense ground cover, preventing reproduction of other species. Being
a member of the pea family, Leguminosae, it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air
and is therefore adaptable to most soil types, including those of poor quality.
Propagation
Propagation is from seeds sown all year round, if grown indoors, or in early spring if
grown outdoors3. Place 2 or 3 seeds in 8cm pots of rooting mixture, give enough water to
make the mixture barely moist, and place the pots in bright light at a temperature of 18
to 21 C.
Once the seeds have germinated (probably less than two to three weeks), those seedlings
that look the least strong and healthy should be discarded. The remaining seedlings may
be transplanted to other pots or trays when they are large enough to handle. Finally, the
plants should be transplanted to 13cm pots of standard soil-based potting mixture once
they are well established.
Aftercare
Although a perennial, M. pudica is best treated as an annual, to be kept for one season
only. This is because, as well as being difficult to over-winter, it tends to become rather
unsightly as it ages. However, it should be repotted several times during that period.
One should use a soil-based potting mixture and the plant should be moved to a larger
pot whenever the roots have completely filled the current pot. Root ends appearing
through the drainage holes will indicate when repotting is necessary. However, the plant
flowers best and its foliage is at its most attractive when the roots are confined in a
relatively small space.
The plant may appear alarmingly droopy when first repotted, but it should recover
quickly.
The plants like a warm sunny position4 and a relatively humid atmosphere.
Over-wintering
M. pudica comes from tropical places and, in the British climate, it's best thought of as a
very short-lived plant if not an annual. It isn't happy over winter in a cool greenhouse,
but it does need humidity and warmth; so it may be kept either in a warm greenhouse or
in a warm room in the house.
As it's such an adaptable plant, it may be put somewhere like the bathroom, where there
are no draughts, and there's constant high humidity from showers and baths. Keep a
mister close by and mist it with tepid water occasionally.
However, the best thing is to grow a succession of plants so that if you lose one you can
replace it with another!
Use of M. pudica in Medicine
The seeds and other parts of M. pudica contain mimosine, a non-protein alpha-amino
acid that is known to cause hair loss and depressed growth in mammals. However, an
unlikely large dose would be necessary to cause such problems in humans.
Extracts of the plant have been shown in scientific trials to be a moderate diuretic,
depress duodenal contractions similar to atropine sulphone, promote regeneration
of nerves, and reduce menorrhagia5. Antidepressant activity has been demonstrated in
humans. Root extracts are reported to be a strong emetic, due to the mimosine.
Although the plant is used in herbal medicine, especially the Indian Healthcare System
known as Ayurveda, it is not yet used in mainstream medicine; and pharmaceutical
companies are still researching its properties and uses.

1 Charles II together with a group of twelve men interested in experimental science, was one of the
founders of the Royal Society (of London) in 1660, and granted the Society its royal charter in 1662.
2 Pulvini (singular 'pulvinus') are regions with special cells, called motor cells, situated at the base of leaf
petioles. As the volumes of the cells on opposing sides of the leaf or leaflet change, so one side swell as the
other side shrinks, thus causing the leaf to move.
3 Some seed suppliers, eg Thompson & Morgan, recommend that the seeds are soaked in hot (60 C)
water for 20 minutes before sowing.
4 Sensitive plant is, in fact, shade intolerant and, in the wild, does not compete with tall vegetation or grow
under forest canopies.
5 Menorrhagia is defined as a condition of excessive blood loss during menstruation.






















Mimosa pudica: U Cant Touch This!
Posted on February 3, 2014 by Waheed

Left: No Mimosa for you, dear reader. Photo: by vxla [CC BY 2.0]. Right: M. pudica illustration from Francisco
Manuel Blancos Flora de Filipinas, 1877-1883. Image: Public Domain.
Mimosas all round? No, definitely not the alcoholic beverage! The mimosa Im
talking about is Mimosa pudica L. [Fabaceae], a creeping herb thats continuing to
fascinate the world both botanists and non-botanists alike!
Mix one part of thoroughly chilled mimicry with one part of sparkling brilliance, sit
back, and watch the leaflets fold
Taxonomy
M. pudica was described by Carl Linnaeus, and is the type species for the genus. The
generic name Mimosa is derived from the Greek word mimos (meaning mimic), while
the specific epithet comes from the Latin word pudicus (meaning bashful or shrinking to
contact)
[1]
. Some may refer to this species as the sensitive plant or even as the
shameful plant because of its very unique and characteristic touch-sensitive leaves. In
fact, the species has a huge range of common names in many languages
[2]
, some of which
include:
English: sensitive plant, touch-me-not plant, humble plant, shameful plant
French: amourette herbe, herbe sensible, sensitive pineus, mimosa pudique
Spanish: vergonsoza, dormidera, ten vergenza
Nahuatl, Mexico: pinahuixtle, quecupatli
Hispaniola: mori vivi
Haiti: honte
Portuguese: dormideira
Urdu: Chui-Mui
Bengali: Lojjaboti
Chinese: hnxi co (shyness grass)
Sinhala, Sri Lanka: Nidi kumba
Distribution
M. pudica is widespread in Central America, northern South America and the
Caribbean. This taxon has also been introduced to many countries around the world and
is not considered to be threatened or in decline. Surprisingly, however, it is included in
the Global Invasive Species Database as one of the worlds worst invasive weeds
affecting forestry plantations, croplands, orchards and pastures throughout South Asia,
the Pacific Islands and in parts of Africa
[2]
. The plant is also poisonous to ruminant
grazers through the bacterial breakdown of the non-protein amino acid mimosine
[3]
.

Dried specimen of M. pudica showing its prickles, two of which have broken off. Photo: by Forest and Kim
Starr [CC BY 2.0].
Management of the species is best practised before the plants establish larger
populations. Hand-weeding of mature plants is difficult because the plant bears
prickles, which can break off and irritate the skin. Herbicides such as foliar sprays
of glyphosate are widely used to control the species, but thorough wetting of all leaf
surfaces is essential; if plants are disturbed before spraying, the leaves will fold up and
the herbicide will be ineffective. Fire can also be used as a management tool, but fire
alone may actually increase M. pudica densities by plant regrowth and enhanced seed
germination
[4]
.
Although no work has been undertaken on the biological control of M. pudica, there
may be possibilities in view of the successful biological control programmes against the
relatedM. invisa
[5]
.
Species description
M. pudica is an annual or perennial herb, normally growing to 50-70 cm tall, often as a
straggling subshrub. Its stems have sparse prickles, around 2-2.5 mm long. The leaves
are alternately arranged and bipinnate (twice compound).
The pinnae are digitate (shaped like a spread hand), and bear 10-26 pairs of linear-
oblong leaflets on each pinna. Stipules are persistent (remaining in place), lanceolate in
shape and striately-nerved from the base.
[6]


M. pudica inflorescence, showing the characteristic flower structure with numerous prominent stamens
(pink). Photo: by Vivek Raj [CC BY 2.0].
The flowers are lilac or pink (the colour is mainly of the stamen filaments) and are held
in ovoid, stalked heads (characteristic of the subfamily Mimosoideae). The calyx is
minute, about 0.2 mm long, whereas the corolla is larger (2-2.3 mm long) and
containing four stamens. The pods are 1.8 cm 3-5 mm, densely bristly with brown-
tipped tapering hairs along their margins
[6]
.
Introduction pathways to new locations are via floating seed pods and local dispersal
methods on animals (attaching to fur). Once germinated, seedlings grow slowly for two
or three months and then accelerate, reaching 0.5-2 m of extension at the end of the first
year!
Plant movement
Despite its invasive properties, the sensitive plant is popular in cultivation around the
world, and is enjoyed by many as a curiosity due to its highly touch-sensitive leaves. The
famous microscopist Robert Hooke was one of the first to investigate the movements
of M. pudica, and at that time it had been suggested that plants had nerves and tissues
similar to those in animals. But plants dont have a nervous system or muscles, so how is
the rapid movement generated?

The pulvini of M. pudica at the base of the petioles and petiolules, as shown adaxially. Photo: by Waheed
Arshad, 2013.
Well, it was only later discovered that the leaves fold as a result of the internal
movement of water, and the mechanics of the touch-sensitive (thigmonastic) process are
now well-documented. These are centred around a motor structure (called
the pulvinus), consisting of a rod ofsclerenchyma and collenchyma cells (strengthening
tissue).
In the extended, unstimulated position, the cells of the entire collenchyma are turgid
(distended with water) and the leaflets are held outwards. On receiving the action
potential signal through a touch stimulus, the cells in the pulvinus respond by expelling
potassium (K
+
) and chloride ions (Cl

), and taking up calcium ions (Ca

2+
). The resultant
osmotic gradient draws water out of these cells, causing them to shrink temporarily
(plasmolysis) and lose structural rigidity; in this contracted position, the pulvinus no
longer functions as a support and the petiolules and petioles droop leaving the plant in
its folded state
[7]
.

M. pudica leaves (a) unstimulated, (b) stimulated and (c) showing the cell architecture around the pulvinus. Note
the side of the pulvinus with flaccid cells is the direction in which the leaflets fold. Scale bar = 0.5 m. Photo:
Pearson Education, Inc. (Benjamin Cummings), 2005.
Theres no better way to understand this remarkable thigmonastic process than to watch
it in action Stop, hammer
*
time!
*
No plants were harmed in the making of this video.
This rapid plant movement is thought to act as a defence against herbivores, which may
be deterred by the dramatic response or, if they are small, may be dislodged as the
leaves collapse.
M. pudica is not the only member of the Fabaceae family to show thigmonastic
movements. Other legumes (e.g. some members of the
genera Neptunia, Acacia, Albiziaand Samanea) respond to a lesser degree by showing
sleep movements (nyctinasty)
[7]
. This involves the closing up of the leaves a few hours
before dusk, and re-opening a few hours before dawn (controlled by the circadian
clock and light signal transduction throughphytochromes). Its thought these nyctinastic
movements aid water conservation as well as defence against herbivory.
[8]

Other uses
M. pudica has been used widely in traditional medicine, from treating glandular
swellings in India to relieving lower back and kidney pain in the Republic of the Congo.
The plant has also been used to treat sleep disorders and, in Senegal, an infusion of the
leaves is believed to be calming and sleep-inducing But thats not the whole story.
While root extracts have shown anti-bacterial properties, too much can be aphrodisiacal
(stimulating sexual desire) and, along with the seeds, can function as a strong laxative
and induce vomiting
[9]
!
Before you get too worried (or excited), M. pudica is not yet used in Western medicine
as pharmaceutical companies continue to investigate its reported medicinal properties
[8]
.
Similar species
M. pudica is similar to M. pigra (giant sensitive plant) and M.
diplotricha var. diplotricha(creeping sensitive plant), both of which also bear pink
globular inflorescences and prickles. Youll be relieved to hear that differences in habit,
leaf-branching and fruit help distinguish these three species:

Fruit and seeds of M. pudica, photographed fromMusum de Toulouse herbarium specimen. Scale bar = 1
cm. Photo: by Didier Descouens [CC BY-SA 3.0].
M. pudica is a relatively small plant, with a spreading (prostrate) habit. Leaves are
not branched (with one or two pairs of branchlets) and pods are relatively small (1-
2.5 cm long), containing only 1-6 one-seeded segments.
M. pigra is a larger shrub with an upright (erect) growth habit. Leaves are large and
much-branched (with 6-16 pairs of branchlets). Its pods are relatively large (3-8 cm
long) and contain 14-26 one-seeded segments.
M. diplotricha is also an upright (erect) shrub, but can also be climbing in its habit.
The leaves are branched (with 4-9 pairs of branchlets), but the pods are relatively
small (1-3.5 cm long) with only 3-5 one-seeded segments.

Leaf me alone: Some of the comments written onFacebook for the 7-second clip of Trippy Plant. Image:
Screenshot.
Coverage in the wider community
The fame of M. pudica doesnt stop there in fact, non-scientists alike have continued
to be intrigued by the plants remarkable capabilities. The species even has its own
Vine (a Twitter-owned mobile app that enables users to create and post short video
clips) which has clocked up a remarkable 1.4 million views. The page has also
been shared on Facebook over 70,000 times!
One business from the USA has taken the opportunity to exploit the plants
thigmonastic movements by marketing its seeds as TickleMe Plant

. Complete with
a cartoon and colouring pages to entertain the younger audience, the strategy inspires
the wider community not to lose touch with our living world. There is a real sense of
adventure in raising your own TickleMe Plant

and, if no seed grows to the point where

the second set of leaves move when you tickle them, the company will even replace the
seeds. You cant get a much better deal than that now, can you?
. Image: Screenshot.
Final words
Alcoholic beverages, problematic weed control, a huge array of medicinal symptoms,
social networking prowess its clear this species really does get around! Its not hard to
work out why either. M. pudica has far-reaching interests, not only for botanists but also
for the much wider, non-scientific community too. There arent many plants out there
which have a Facebook page and a Vine dedicated to them! Much of the current research
focusses on the species many reported medicinal properties with a potential for drug
development in the future So M. pudica could well be coming to a shelf near you!
Unbeleafable? You decide!

References:
[1]. Johnson, A.T. and Smith, H.A. (2008) Plant Names Simplified. Old Bond
Publishing.
[2]. IUCN Species Survival Commission Invasive Species Specialist Group
(2010) Mimosa pudica species account. Global Invasive Species Database.
[3]. CABI (2014) Mimosa pudica. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK:
CAB International. www.cabi.org/isc.
[4]. Chauhan, B.S. and Johnson, D.E. (2009) Germination, emergence, and dormancy
ofMimosa pudica. Weed Biology and Management 9 (1): 3845.
[5]. Kuniata, L.S. (1994) Importation and establishment of Heteropsylla
spinulosa(Homoptera; Psyllidae) for the biological control of Mimosa invisa in Papua
New Guinea.International Journal of Pest Management 40 (1): 6465.
[6]. Barneby, R. (1991) Sensitivae censitae: a description of the genus Mimosa Linnaeus
(Mimosaceae) in the New World. New York Botanical Garden, New York.
[7]. Scott, P. (2008) Physiology and Behaviour of Plants. Wiley-Blackwell.
[8]. Rico, L., Davis, S. and Johnson, N. (2013) Mimosa pudica species profile. Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew.
[9]. Rajendran, R. (2010) Diuretic and laxative activities of methanol extract of Mimosa
pudica L. leaves. Medicinal Plants International Journal of Phytomedicines and
Related Industries 2 (3): 237240.















DAFTAR PUSTAKA
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/mimosa-pudica-sensitive-plant
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/sensitive_plant.htm
CABI Invasive Species Compendium online data sheet. Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant). CABI
Publishing 2011. www.cabi.org/ISC. Accessed March 2011.
GISD (2010). Global Invasive Species Database online data sheet. Mimosa
pudica (herb). www.issg.org/database. Accessed March 2011.
Tropical Biology Association (2010). Usambara Invasive Plants - Amani Nature Reserve - www.tropical-
biology.org/research/dip/species.htm.

Mengapa Daun Putri Malu Menutup ketika Disentuh?

Daun putri malu (Mimosa pudica) akan menutup atau menguncup ketika disentuh, karena
adanya rangsangan, yang disebut nasti, yang menyebabkan terjadinya perubahan tekanan
turgor (kekakuan daun) pada tangkai daun. Ketika bagian tumbuhan putri malu disentuh,
terjadi aliran air menjauhi daerah sentuhan. Adanya aliran air itu menyebabkan kadar air sel-
sel motorik di daerah sentuhan berkurang, sehingga tekanan turgornya mengecil.

Selain itu, menguncupnya daun putri malu juga disebabkan karena hilangnya turgor dalam sel-
sel pulvinus. Pulvinus adalah organ penggerak khusus yang berada di tulang daun. Akibatnya,
batang, cabang, dan tulang daun, menjadi layu dan diikuti dengan mengatupnya daun putri
malu. Setelah beberapa saat, tekanan turgor sedikit demi sedikit akan kembali ke keadaan
normal, diikuti dengan tegaknya kembali batang, cabang, dan mekarnya seluruh daun.

Rangsangan pada putri malu menjalar, baik dari ujung ke pangkal, atau pun dari pangkal ke
ujung. Jika sebatang korek api menyala diletakkan di bawah ujung selembar daunnya, maka
bukan daun itu saja yang segera menguncup, tetapi secara bertahap dan cepat semua daun
yang lain yang setangkai dengan daun itu akan ikut menguncup. Kemudian, perlahan-lahan
ruas utama pun bereaksi, hingga kemudian rangsangan itu perlahan-lahan bergerak ke seluruh
bagian atas dan bawah batang, dan menyebabkan keadaan terkulai yang menyeluruh.
























MORFOLOGI TUMBUHAN PUTRI MALU




MORFOLOGI TUMBUHAN PUTRI MALU

Tumbuhan ini memiliki banyak sekali nama lain sesuai sifatnya tersebut, seperti makahiya (Filipina,
berarti "malu"), mori vivi (Hindia Barat), nidikumba (Sinhala, berarti "tidur"), mate-loi (Tonga, berarti
"pura-pura mati") . Namanya dalam bahasa Cinaberarti "rumput pemalu". Kata pudica sendiri
dalam bahasa Latin berarti "malu" atau "menciut".

Klasifikasi Putri Malu
Kingdom : Plantae (Tumbuhan)
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta (Tumbuhan berpembuluh)
Super Divisi : Spermatophyta (Menghasilkan biji)
Divisi : Magnoliophyta (Tumbuhan berbunga)
Kelas : Magnoliopsida (berkeping dua / dikotil)
Sub Kelas : Rosidae
Ordo : Fabales
Famili : Fabaceae (suku polong-polongan)
Genus : Mimosa
Spesies : Mimosa pudica Duchass. & Walp

Deskripsi Morfologi
1. Daun
Daun putri malu atau sikejut berupa daun majemuk menyirip ganda dua yang sempurna. Jumlah anak
daun pada setiap sirip sekitar 5 - 26 pasang. Helaian anak daun berbentuk memanjang sampai lanset,
ujung runcing, pangkal memundar, tepi rata. Jika diraba pada permukaan atas dan bawah daun terasa
licin, panjang 6 - 16 mm, lebar 1-3 mm. daun berwarna hijau, akan tetapi pada tepi daun umumnya
berwarna ungu. Jika daun tersentuh akan melipatkan diri, menyirip rangkap. Sirip terkumpul rapat
dengan panjang 4-5,5 cm.

2. Batang
Batang tumbuhan putri malu berbeda dengan tumbuhan
lainnya, yaitu batang putri malu berbentuk bulat. Pada
seluruh batangnya terdapat rambut dan mempunyai duri
yang menempel , batang tumbuhan putri malu dengan
rambut sikat yang mengarah secara miring kepermukaan
tanah atau ke arah bawah.

3. Akar
Putri malu atau sikejut mempunyai akar pena yang sangat kuat
berbeda dengan akar-akar tanaman-tanaman lainnya, jika kita
cabut langsung terangkat seluruh akar-akar nya. Akan tetapi
lain halnya dengan akar tanaman putri malu, untuk mencabuti
nya kita memerlukan suatu alat-alat yang khusus agar semua
akar-akar nya teracabut.

4. Bunga
Putri malu biasanya mempunyai bunga yang berbentuk
bulat seperti bola dan tidak mempunya
mahkota atau kelopak bunga yang besar seperti
bunga-bunga yang lain. Akan tetapi kelopak bunga putri
malu bentuknya sangat kecil dan bergigi empat
seperti selaput putih. Tabung mahkotanya juga
berukuran sangat kecil, bertajuk empat seperti selaput
putih.




5. Buah
Buah putri malu berbentuk polong, pipih seperti garis dan berukuran
sangat kecil jika dibandingkan dengan buah-buah tumbuhan lainnya.



6. Biji
Sama halnya seperti buah, tanaman putri malu juga memiliki biji, yang berukuran kecil dan
bulat,berbentuk pipih . putri malu termasuk kedalam tumbuhan yang berbiji tertutup (Angiospermae)
dan berkembangbiak dengan biji.