MIMOSA PUDICA [LAJWANTI]

Common Name : Lajalu / Chui - Mui / Sensitive Plants
Plants Part Used : Root, Laves and Seeds

Description :
Roots have characteristic 6 to 8 layers of cork cells. The secondary cortex consists of thin-walled parenchyma filled with starch granules. The cells of the cortex contain both tannin and calcium oxalate crystals. These tannin-containing cells, starch granules, crystals of calcium-oxalate, cork cells and reticulate cells are the constituents of the root powder.

Characteristics and Constituents :
Several studies have shown several biochemical substances involved in the contractility of the leaves. An alkaloid, mimosine has been isolated from the plant. The root extract contains 10% tannin, ash, calcium oxalate crystals and mimosine. An adrenaline like substance has been identified in the leaf extract.

Actions and Uses :
In experimental animals a crude extract from the plant showed a mild to moderate diuretic response. The total plant extract was depressant on isolated rabbit duodenum. The percent decrease in either amplitude or frequency of duodenal contractions was found to be only marginally different from that found after a similar dose of atropine sulphone. In a study of the effect of Lajjalu on regeneration of nerve in experimental animals it was seen that the plant enhances regeneration by 30-40%. The medicinal use of the plant Mimosa pudica dates back to Charaka and Sushruta. The sensitive plant is commonly used for bleeding disorders like menorrhagia, dysentery with blood and mucus, and piles. The root powder or decoction is used. The juice of freshly crushed leaves is used internally and externally in piles. A preliminary clinical trial, in 9 women with menorrhagia, exhibited promising results with relief in severity of bleeding. It is also applied externally to fissures, skin wounds and ulcers. Its action on small blood vessels is implicated in its hemostatic property.
A clinical study showed that the plant was well tolerated. It was given in the form of micronized root powder made from the dry extract. The capsules contained 500 mg and the dose was 1,000- 1,500 mg thrice a day. The acute toxicity studies in mice showed LD(100), to he 400 mg/kg and LD, to be 100 mg/kg.