Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Mimosa pudica

Botanical

Useful mainly for people interested in a traditional 'gut' or antiparasitic herb, with no human-trial support.

Quick decision guide

May help most

people interested in a traditional 'gut' or antiparasitic herb, with no human-trial support

Common dosing range

Not established; commonly a seed extract per product labeling

When to expect effects

Unclear

Watch out for

no human clinical evidence; avoid in pregnancy

What is it

Mimosa pudica is the 'sensitive plant,' a creeping legume whose leaves fold when touched, used in Ayurvedic and other traditional systems for diarrhea, wounds, and parasites. In supplements its seed extract is marketed mainly as a 'gut cleanse' or antiparasitic agent, a use supported only by laboratory and animal data, not human trials.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

you are experimenting with a traditional herb and accept the absence of human evidence

Probably skip if…

you have a diagnosed parasitic infection that needs proven antiparasitic treatment
you are pregnant or trying to conceive
you expect evidence-based results from a 'gut scrubbing' protocol

Evidence at a glance

antiparasitic / 'gut cleanse'

Mixed Evidence
Effect
Not established in humans
Best fit
not established
Time
Unclear

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

antiparasitic / 'gut cleanse'

Mechanism only
Mixed Evidence

Mimosa pudica extracts have shown anthelmintic (deworming) and antimicrobial activity in vitro and in some animal models, which is the basis for its 'gut cleanse' marketing. There are no controlled human trials demonstrating that it clears parasites or improves gut health, so the claim rests on laboratory and animal data only.

Effect size
Not established in humans
Time to effect
Unclear
Best fit
not established

Bottom line: Antiparasitic activity is laboratory-stage only; human efficacy is unproven.

SourceMandal et al., 2022 — PMCAkter et al., 2010 — PMC

How to take it

1. Typical dose
Not established; follow seed-extract product labeling
2. Timing
often taken away from food in marketed 'cleanse' protocols
3. With food
manufacturer-dependent
4. How long to try
Short-term per protocol

What to track

GI symptoms and tolerance
any allergic reaction

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

limited human data; possible GI upset

Who should avoid it

  • pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • people with legume allergy (theoretical)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid; traditionally regarded as having uterine effects and lacking safety data.

Interactions

antidiabetic drugsMinor

animal studies suggest glucose-lowering activity; theoretical additive effect

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

identifies Mimosa pudica and the part used (usually seed)
states extract amount per serving

Be skeptical of…

claims to remove parasites, worms, or 'rope worms'
detox or 'gut scrubbing' promises
claims to treat any diagnosed infection

References by claim

antiparasitic / 'gut cleanse'

Mandal et al., 2022 — PMC (2022) link

Akter et al., 2010 — PMC (2010) link

Track Mimosa pudica with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.