Mimosa pudica
At a glance
- Best for
- people interested in a traditional 'gut' or antiparasitic herb, with no human-trial support
- Typical dose
- Not established; commonly a seed extract per product labeling
- Time to effect
- Unclear
- Main caution
- 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?
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
| Goal | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| antiparasitic / 'gut cleanse' | Mixed Evidence | Not established in humans | not established | Unclear |
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
antiparasitic / 'gut cleanse'
Mechanism onlyMimosa 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.
Bottom line: Antiparasitic activity is laboratory-stage only; human efficacy is unproven.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- Not established; follow seed-extract product labeling
- Timing
- often taken away from food in marketed 'cleanse' protocols
- With food
- manufacturer-dependent
- How long to try
- Short-term per protocol
What to track
- GI symptoms and tolerance
- any allergic reaction
Safety
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
animal studies suggest glucose-lowering activity; theoretical additive effect
Choosing a product
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
Track Mimosa pudica with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: 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.