Mimosa pudica Linn.
Family Mimosaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical
America; naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of India.
English Sensitive-plant, Humble- Plant.
Ayurvedic Lajj aalu, Laaj avanti, Namaskaari, Samangaa, Sankochini, Shamipatraa, Khadirkaa, Raktapaadi.
Unani Chhuimui, Sharmii, Laajwanti.
Siddha/Tamil Thottalsurungi.
Action Leaf—astringent, alterative, antiseptic, styptic, blood purifier. Used for diarrhoea, dysentery, haemophiic conditions, leucorrhoea, morbid conditions of vagina, piles, fistula, hydrocele and glandular swellings. Root—used in gravel and urinary complaints. A decoction is taken to relieve asthma.
The plant contains mimosine and turgorin. The periodic leaf movements exhibited by the plant are due to presence of derivatives of 4-0- (beta-D-glucopyranosyl-6’ -sulphate)
gallic acid. The aerial parts of the plant contain C-glycosylflavones, 2”- 0-rhamnosylorientin and 2”-O- rhamnosylisoorientin.
Dosage Whole plant, root—lO— 20 ml juice; 50—100 ml decoction. (CCRAS.) Whole plant—l0—20 g for decoction.