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Mimosa pudica

2026-07-28T08:02:14Z

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{{Short description|Species of creeping annual plant}}
{{About||other plants called "touch-me-not"|Touch me not (disambiguation){{!}}Touch me not|the other plant known as "sensitive plant"|Neptunia dimorphantha}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Mimosa pudica in September month.jpg
| image_caption = Flower head and leaves
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Groom, A. |date=2012 |title=''Mimosa pudica'' |volume=2012 |article-number=e.T175208A20112058 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T175208A20112058.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| genus = Mimosa
| species = pudica
| authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]<ref name=GRIN>{{GRIN |access-date=2008-03-27}}</ref>
}}

'''''Mimosa pudica''''' (also called '''sensitive plant''',<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2017-05-31 |title=This Plant Literally Moves When You Touch It |url=https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a8738/mimosa-pudica-moves-when-you-touch-it/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=House Beautiful |language=en-US}}</ref> '''sleepy grass''',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. G. |date=2016-05-13 |title=The sensitive plant |url=https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2016/05/the-sensitive-plant/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Australian Geographic |language=en-US}}</ref> '''sleepy plant''',<ref name=":5" /> '''action plant''', '''humble plant''', '''touch-me-not, touch-and-die''', '''shame plant'''<ref name = RHSPF/><ref name=GRIN/> or '''shy plant'''<ref name="Plant Physiology"/>) is a creeping [[annual plant|annual]] or [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[flowering plant]] of the pea/legume family [[Fabaceae]]. It is often grown for its curiosity value: the sensitive compound leaves quickly fold inward and droop when touched or shaken and re-open a few minutes later. For this reason, this species is commonly cited as an example of [[rapid plant movement]]. Like a number of other plant species, it undergoes changes in leaf orientation termed "sleep" or [[nyctinastic]] movement. The foliage closes during darkness and reopens in light.<ref name=":4">
{{cite book |last1=Raven |first1=Peter H. |title=Biology of Plants |last2=Evert |first2=Ray F. |last3=Eichhorn |first3=Susan E. |date=January 2005 |publisher=[[W. H. Freeman and Company]] |isbn=978-0-7167-1007-3 |edition=7th |location=New York |page=639 |chapter=Section 6. Physiology of Seed Plants: 29. Plant Nutrition and Soils |lccn=2004053303 |oclc=56051064 |author-link=Peter H. Raven |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8tz2aB1-jb4C&pg=PA58}}</ref> This was first studied by French scientist [[Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan|Jean-Jacques d'Ortous]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/29/science/29obs-plants.html |title=Plants Remember You if You Mess With Them Enough |author=Joanna Klein |work=New York Times |date=March 28, 2016}}</ref> In the UK it has gained the [[Royal Horticultural Society]]'s [[Award of Garden Merit]].<ref name = RHSPF>{{cite web |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/21000/i-Mimosa-pudica-i/Details |title=''Mimosa pudica'' |publisher=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf |title=AGM Plants - Ornamental |date=July 2017 |page=64 |publisher=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref>

The species is native to the Caribbean and South and Central America, but is now a [[pantropical]] weed, and can now be found in the [[Southern United States]], South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Micronesia, [[Australia]], South Africa, and West Africa as well. It is not shade-tolerant and is primarily found on soils with low nutrient concentrations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Global Invasive Species Database |url=http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1002 |access-date=3 November 2018 |date=2018}}</ref>

==Taxonomy==
''Mimosa pudica'' was first formally described by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' in 1753.<ref>{{APNI | name =''Mimosa pudica'' | id = 20037}}</ref> The species epithet, {{Wikt-lang|la|pudica}}, is [[Latin]] for {{gloss|shame}}, {{gloss|bashful}}, or {{gloss|shrinking}}, alluding to its shrinking reaction to contact.

The species is known by numerous common names including '''sensitive plant''', '''action plant''', '''humble plant''', '''shameplant''', and '''touch-me-not'''.<ref name = RHSPF/><ref name=GRIN/>

==Description==
[[File:Sensitive plant (21332).jpg|thumb|Inflorescence]]
[[Image:Mimosa pudica - cotyledon.jpg|thumb|Seedling with two cotyledons and first true leaf with only 6 leaflets]]

The stem is erect in young plants but becomes creeping or trailing with age. It can hang very low and become floppy. The stem is slender, branching, and sparsely to densely prickly, growing to a length of {{convert|1.5|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. The erect height of ''M. pudica'' usually reaches around ~30 cm (~1 ft).

The leaves are [[Pinnate|bipinnately]] compound, with one or two pinnae pairs, and 10–26 leaflets per pinna. The petioles are also prickly. [[Peduncle (botany)|Pedunculate]] (stalked) pale pink or purple [[head (botany)|flower heads]] arise from the leaf axils in mid-summer with more and more flowers as the plant gets older. A single flower survives for less than a day, and usually dies completely by the next day. Flowers of ''M. pudica'' are very brittle and soft. The globose to ovoid heads are {{convert|8–10|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in diameter (excluding the [[stamen]]s). On close examination, it is seen that the floret petals are red in their upper part and the filaments are pink to lavender. [[Pollens]] are circular with approximately 8 microns in diameter.
[[File:Pollen of Mimosa pudica.jpg|thumb|Pollen]]
The [[fruit]] consists of clusters of two to eight pods from {{convert|1-2|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} long each, these being prickly on the margins. The pods break into two to five segments and contain pale brown seeds about {{convert|2.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long. The flowers are [[insect-pollinated]] and [[Anemophily|wind-pollinated]].<ref name=Forest>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Mimosa%20pudica.pdf |title=''Mimosa pudica'' L. |access-date=2008-03-25 |publisher=US Forest Service}}</ref> The seeds have hard seed coats which restrict [[germination]] and make [[osmotic pressure]] and [[soil acidity]] less significant hindrances. High temperatures are the main stimuli that cause the seeds to end [[dormancy]].<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Germination, emergence, and dormancy of Mimosa pudica |year=2009 |journal=Weed Biology and Management |pages=38–45 |volume=9 |issue=1 |doi=10.1111/j.1445-6664.2008.00316.x |last1=Chauhan |first1=Bhagirath S. Johnson |last2=Davi |first2=E.}}</ref>

The roots of ''Mimosa pudica'' create [[carbon disulfide]], which prevents certain pathogenic and [[mycorrhiza]]l fungi from growing within the plant's [[rhizosphere]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |title=Pharmacological and Biological Overview on Mimosa Pudica Linn |last=Azmi |first=Lubna |date=2011 |journal=International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences |pages=1226–1234 |volume=2 |issue=11}}</ref> This allows the formation of nodules on the roots of the plant that contain endosymbiotic [[diazotroph]]s, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a form that is usable by the plant.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/handle/doc/872481 |title=Nodulation and Nitrogen Fixation by Mimosa spp. in the Cerrado and Caatinga Biomes of Brazil |last=Bueno Dos Reis |first=Fábio |date=2010 |journal=New Phytologist |doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03267.x |pmid=20456044 |volume=186 |issue=4 |pages=934–946 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

''Mimosa pudica'' is a [[tetraploid]] (2''n'' = 52).<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Cytotaxonomic studies in the Leguminosae |vauthors=Berger CA, Witkus ER, McMahon RM |year=1958 |journal=Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club |doi=10.2307/2483163 |jstor=2483163 |volume=85 |issue=6 |pages=405–415}}</ref>

== Plant movement ==
[[File:Mimosa pudica in Hainan.ogv|thumbtime=1|thumb|Video of plant closing when touched]]
The leaflets close when stimulated in various ways, such as warming, touching, blowing, and shaking, which are all encapsulated within mechanical or electrical stimulation. Movements in response to these stimuli have been termed [[thigmonasty|seismonastic]] movements. This reflex may have evolved as a defense mechanism to disincentivize predators, or alternatively to shade the plant in order to reduce water loss due to evaporation. The main structure mechanistically responsible for the drooping of the leaves is the [[pulvinus]]. The stimulus is transmitted as an [[action potential]] from a stimulated leaflet to the leaflet's swollen base ([[pulvinus]]), and from there to the pulvini of the other leaflets, which run along the length of the leaf's [[rachis]]. The action potential then passes into the [[petiole (botany)|petiole]], and finally to the large pulvinus at the end of the petiole, where the leaf attaches to the stem. The pulvini cells gain and lose [[turgor]] due to water moving in and out of these cells, and multiple ion concentrations play a role in the manipulation of water movement.

Similar to the [[Venus flytrap]]'s trigger hairs, ''M. pudica''{{'s}} leaves are hypersensitive to touch.<ref>{{Cite book |first=Daniel |last=Chamovitz |title=What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses |date=6 October 2020 |publisher=Farrar, Straus and Giroux |isbn=978-0-374-60000-6 |oclc=1292740991}}</ref> In line with the touch-sensing function used for tasks such as defense or nutrient maintenance, these parts have [[mechanoreceptor]]s linked to mechanosensitive channels that can conduct calcium ions and indirectly relative anions upon touch stimulation, giving rise to depolarization and the initiation of an [[action potential]] (AP). They also have voltage-sensitive potassium channels that promote hyperpolarization and turgor formation. Such sensitive plants fire all-or-nothing type APs, similar to those seen in animals.

This movement of folding inwards is energetically costly for the plant and also interferes with the process of photosynthesis.<ref name="Amador-Vegas">{{Cite journal |last=Amador-Vegas |first=Dominguez |date=2014 |title=Leaf-folding response of a sensitive plant shows context-dependent behavioral plasticity |journal=Plant Ecology |volume=215 |issue=12 |pages=1445–1454 |doi=10.1007/s11258-014-0401-4 |bibcode=2014PlEco.215.1445A |s2cid=1659354|hdl=11336/20900 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

==Distribution and habitat==
[[File:JfAngat0192Mimosapudicafvf 17.JPG|thumb|''Mimosa pudica'' in [[Angat, Bulacan]], Philippines]]
''Mimosa pudica'' is native to the tropical Americas. It can also be found in Asian countries such as Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, and Sri Lanka. It has been introduced to many other regions and is regarded as an [[invasive species]] in Tanzania, South and Southeast Asia, and many Pacific islands.<ref name=Usambara>{{cite web |url=http://www.tropical-biology.org/research/dip/species/Mimosa%20pudica.htm |title=Mimosa pudica |work=Usambara Invasive Plants |access-date=2008-03-25 |publisher=Tropical Biology Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919232904/http://www.tropical-biology.org/research/dip/species/Mimosa%20pudica.htm |archive-date=2008-09-19 }}</ref> It is regarded as invasive in parts of Australia and is a declared weed in the [[Northern Territory]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/weeds/ntweeds/declared.html |title=Declared Weeds |website=Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts |publisher=Northern Territory Government |access-date=2008-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226133716/http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/weeds/ntweeds/declared.html |archive-date=2008-02-26 }}</ref> and [[Western Australia]] although not naturalized there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://agspsrv95.agric.wa.gov.au/dps/version02/01_plantview.asp?page=7&contentID=60& |work=Declared Plant in Western Australia |title=Sensitive plant common (Mimosa pudica) |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=2008-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413145851/http://agspsrv95.agric.wa.gov.au/dps/version02/01_plantview.asp?page=7&contentID=60& |archive-date=2008-04-13 }}</ref> Control is recommended in [[Queensland]].<ref name=Biosecurity>{{cite web |url=http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xbcr/dpi/IPA-Common-Sensitive-Plant-PP38.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725023618/http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xbcr/dpi/IPA-Common-Sensitive-Plant-PP38.pdf |archive-date=2008-07-25 |title=Common Sensitive Plant |access-date=2008-03-25 |work=Invasive plants and animals |publisher=Biosecurity Queensland}}</ref>

It has also been introduced to Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Seychelles, Mauritius and East Asia but is not regarded as invasive in those places.<ref name=Usambara/> In the United States, it grows in [[Louisiana]], [[Florida]], [[Hawaii]], [[Tennessee]], [[Virginia]], [[Maryland]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Texas]], [[Alabama]], [[Arkansas]], [[Mississippi]], [[North Carolina]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], the territory of Guam, and the [[Virgin Islands]].<ref>[https://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MIPU8 Distribution of ''Mimosa pudica'' in the United States of America], Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.</ref>

==Predators==
''Mimosa pudica'' has several natural predators, such as the [[spider mite]] and [[mimosa webworm]]. Both of these insects wrap the leaflets in webs that hinder the responsive closing. Webbed leaves are noticeable as they become brown fossilized remnants after an attack.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Andrews |first1=Keith |last2=Poe |first2=Sidney |title=Spider Mites of El Salvador, Central America |date=1980 |publisher=Florida Entomologist |page=502 |url=http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/acarology/saas/e-library/pdf000100/a000043.pdf}}</ref> The Mimosa webworm is composed of two generations that arise at different seasons. This makes prevention difficult and requires proper timing of [[insecticides]] to avoid aiding other predators. Once the [[larvae]] become steel-gray moths, they are harmless to the plant but lay more eggs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gibb |first1=Timothy |last2=Sadof |first2=Clifford |title=Mimosa Webworm |url=https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-11.pdf |website=Purdue Extension |publisher=Purdue University}}</ref>

==Agricultural impact==
The species can be a weed for tropical crops, particularly when fields are hand-cultivated. Crops it tends to affect are corn, coconuts, tomatoes, cotton, coffee, bananas, soybeans, papaya, and sugar cane. Dry thickets may become a fire hazard.<ref name=Forest/> In some cases, it has become a forage plant although the variety in [[Hawaii]] is reported to be toxic to livestock.<ref name=Forest/><ref>{{cite web |website=Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) |url=http://www.hear.org/pier/species/mimosa_pudica.htm |title=''Mimosa pudica'' |date=1999-01-01 |access-date=2008-03-25}}</ref>

In addition, ''Mimosa pudica'' can change the physico-chemical properties of the soil it invades; total nitrogen and potassium, for example, have been seen to increase in significantly invaded areas.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Wang |first=Ruilong |display-authors=etal |title=Changes in soil physico-chemical properties, enzyme activities and soil microbial communities under Mimosa pudica invasion |journal=Allelopathy Journal |volume=36 |issue=1 |date=2015}}</ref>

=== Phytoremediation ===
Thirty-six native Thai plant species were tested to see which conducted the most [[phytoremediation]] of arsenic-polluted soils caused by tin mines. ''Mimosa pudica'' was one of the four species that significantly extracted and [[Bioaccumulation|bioaccumulated]] the pollutant into its leaves.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Visoottiviseth |first1=P. |last2=Francesconi |first2=K. |last3=Sridokchan |first3=W. |title=The potential of Thai indigenous plant species for the phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated land |journal=Environmental Pollution |volume=118 |issue=3 |date=August 2002 |pages=453–461 |doi=10.1016/S0269-7491(01)00293-7|pmid=12009144}}</ref> Other studies have found that ''Mimosa pudica'' extracts heavy metals such as copper, lead, tin, and zinc from polluted soils. This allows for the soil to gradually return to less toxic compositions.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ashraf |first1=M.A. |last2=Maah |first2=M.J. |last3=Yusoff |first3=I. |title=Heavy metals accumulation in plants growing in ex tin mining catchment |journal=International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology |date=1 March 2011 |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=401–416 |doi=10.1007/BF03326227 |bibcode=2011JEST....8..401A |s2cid=53132495 |url=http://www.bioline.org.br/abstract?id=st11037 |hdl=1807/62900 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

=== Nitrogen fixation ===
If [[nitrogen-fixing bacteria]] are present in the environment, ''Mimosa pudica'' may form root nodules for them to inhabit.<ref>{{Cite book | last1=Elmerich | first1=Claudine | year=2007 | title=Associative and endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and cyanobacterial associations | last2=Newton | first2=William Edward | publisher=Springer | isbn=978-1-4020-3541-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hiEkEBI1-Y8C&pg=PA30 | page=30}}</ref> These bacteria are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen, which plants cannot use, into a form that plants can use. This trait is common among plants in the family [[Fabaceae]]. Nitrogen is a vital element for both plant growth and reproduction and also essential for photosynthesis because it is a component of [[chlorophyll]]. Nitrogen fixation contributes nitrogen to the plant and to the soil surrounding the plant's roots.<ref name=":2" />

Nitrogen fixation is an adaptive trait that has transformed the parasitic relationship between the bacteria and plants into a mutualistic relationship. The shifting dynamics of this relationship are demonstrated by the corresponding improvement of various symbiotic characteristics in both ''Mimosa pudica'' and bacteria. These traits include enhanced "competitive nodulation, nodule development, intracellular infection, and bacteroid persistence".<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Shaping Bacterial Symbiosis With Legumes by Experimental Evolution|last = Marchetti|first = Marta|date = 2014|journal = Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions|doi = 10.1094/mpmi-03-14-0083-r|pmid = 25105803|volume = 27|issue = 9|pages = 956–964|doi-access = free}}</ref>

As much as 60% of the nitrogen found in ''Mimosa pudica'' can be attributed to the fixation of N2 by bacteria. ''[[Burkholderia phymatum|Burkholderia]]'' [[Burkholderia phymatum|''phymatum'']] STM815T and ''[[Cupriavidus taiwanensis|Cupriavidus]]'' [[Cupriavidus taiwanensis|''taiwanensis'']] LMG19424T are beta-rhizobial strains of diazotrophs that are highly effective at fixing nitrogen when coupled with ''M. pudica''. ''[[Burkholderia]]'' is also shown to be a strong symbiont of ''Mimosa pudica'' in nitrogen-poor soils in regions like Cerrado and Caatinga.<ref name=":1" />

==Cultivation==
[[File:Mimosa pudica MHNT.BOT.2004.0.0.495.jpg|thumb|[[Infructescence]]s with seed]]
In cultivation, this plant is most often grown as an indoor short lived perennial but is also grown for groundcover. [[Plant propagation|Propagation]] is generally by seed. [[Germination]] should take place in 2-3 weeks. ''Mimosa pudica'' grows most effectively in nutrient-poor soil that allows for substantial water drainage. However, this plant is also shown to grow in scalped and eroded subsoils. Typically, disrupted soil is necessary in order for ''M. pudica'' to become established in an area. Additionally, the plant is shade intolerant and frost-sensitive, meaning that it does not tolerate low levels of light or cold temperatures. ''Mimosa pudica'' does not compete for resources with larger foliage or forest canopy undergrowth.<ref name=":0" />

In [[temperate climate|temperate]] zones it must be grown under protection, where the temperature falls below {{convert|13|C|F|abbr=on}}.

==Chemical constituents==
{{cleanup section|reason=Lacks organization.|date=April 2022}}
''Mimosa pudica'' contains the toxic [[alkaloid]] [[mimosine]], which has been found to also have [[antiproliferative]] and [[apoptotic]] effects.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=A. |last1=Restivo |first2=L. |last2=Brard |first3=C.O. |last3=Granai |first4=N. |last4=Swamy |volume=23 |issue=16S (June 1 Supplement) |url=http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/16_suppl/3200 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710093433/http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/16_suppl/3200 |archive-date=2012-07-10 |title=Antiproliferative effect of mimosine in ovarian cancer |journal=Journal of Clinical Oncology |date=2005 |page=3200 |doi=10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.3200 |access-date=2010-01-13 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> The extracts of ''Mimosa pudica'' immobilize the filariform larvae of ''[[Strongyloides stercoralis]]'' in less than one hour.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Robinson RD, Williams LA, Lindo JF, Terry SI, Mansingh A | year = 1990 | pmid = 2082565 | title = Inactivation of ''Strongyloides stercoralis'' filariform larvae in vitro by six Jamaican plant extracts and three commercial anthelmintics | journal = West Indian Medical Journal | volume = 39 | issue = 4 | pages = 213–217}}</ref> Aqueous extracts of the roots of the plant have shown significant neutralizing effects in the lethality of the venom of the [[monocled cobra]] (''Naja kaouthia''). It appears to inhibit the myotoxicity and enzyme activity of cobra venom.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Neutralisation of lethality, myotoxicity and toxic enzymes of ''Naja kaouthia'' venom by ''Mimosa pudica'' root extracts |date=April 2001 |doi=10.1016/S0378-8741(00)00373-1 |volume=75 |issue=1 |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |pages=55–60 |pmid=11282444 |last1=Mahanta |first1=M |last2=Mukherjee |first2=AK}}</ref>

''Mimosa pudica'' demonstrates both antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This plant has also been demonstrated to be non-toxic in brine shrimp lethality tests, which suggests that ''M. pudica'' has low levels of toxicity. Chemical analysis has shown that ''Mimosa pudica'' contains various compounds, including "alkaloids, flavonoid C-glycosides, sterols, terenoids, tannins, saponin and fatty acids".<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Comparative Bioactivity Studies on Two Mimosa Species|last = Genest|first = Samuel|date = 2008|journal = Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas|volume = 7|issue = 1|pages = 38–43}}</ref><ref>Parasuraman S, Ching TH, Leong CH, Banik U (2019) Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica (Fabaceae) in diabetic rats, Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6:1, 137–148, [[doi:10.1080/2314808X.2019.1681660]]</ref> The roots of the plant have been shown to contain up to 10% [[tannin]]. A substance{{which|date=April 2022}} similar to [[adrenaline]] has been found within the plant's leaves. ''Mimosa pudica''<nowiki/>'s seeds produce [[mucilage]] made up of [[Glucuronic acid|D-glucuronic acid]] and [[Xylose|D-xylose]]. Additionally, extracts of ''M. pudica'' have been shown to contain crocetin-dimethylester, tubulin, and green-yellow fatty oils. A new class of phytohormone turgorines, which are derivatives of gallic acid 4-''O''-(β-D-glucopyranosyl-6'-sulfate), have been discovered within the plant.<ref name=":0" />

The nitrogen-fixing properties of ''Mimosa pudica'' contribute to a high nitrogen content within the plant's leaves. The leaves of ''M. pudica'' also contain a wide range of carbon to mineral content, as well as a large variation in 13C values. The correlation between these two numbers suggests that significant ecological adaptation has occurred among the varieties of ''M. pudica'' in Brazil.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title = Natural Abundance of 15N and 13C in Nodulated Legumes and Other Plants in the Cerrado and Neighbouring Regions of Brazil|last = Sprent|first = J.I.|date = 1996|journal = Oecologia|doi = 10.1007/bf00330006|pmid = 28307136|volume = 105|issue = 4|pages = 440–446|bibcode=1996Oecol.105..440S|s2cid = 20435223}}</ref>

The roots contain sac-like structures that release organic and organosulfur compounds including [[Sulfur dioxide|SO2]], methylsulfinic acid, [[pyruvic acid]], [[lactic acid]], [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethanesulfinic-acid ethanesulfinic acid], propane sulfinic acid, [[2-Aminothiophenol|2-mercaptoaniline]], S-propyl propane 1-thiosulfinate, and [[thioformaldehyde]], an elusive and highly unstable compound never before reported to be emitted by a plant.<ref name="Plant Physiology">{{cite journal |last1=Musah |first1=Rabi A. |last2=Lesiak |first2=Ashton D. |last3=Maron |first3=Max J. |last4=Cody |first4=Robert B. |last5=Edwards |first5=David |last6=Fowble |first6=Kristen |last7=Dane |first7=A. John |last8=Long |first8=Michael C. |title=Mechanosensitivity Below Ground: Touch-Sensitive Smell-Producing Roots in the "Shy Plant," ''Mimosa pudica'' L. |journal=[[Plant Physiology (journal)|Plant Physiology]] |date=December 9, 2015 |doi=10.1104/pp.15.01705 |volume=170 |issue=2 |pages=1075–1089 |pmid=26661932 |pmc=4734582}}</ref>

==Research with ''Mimosa pudica''==
[[File:Mimosa Pudica.gif|thumb|Leaflets folding inward]]
[[Wilhelm Pfeffer]], a German botanist during the 19th century, used ''Mimosa'' in one of the first experiments testing plant habituation.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Abramson |first1=Charles I. |last2=Chicas-Mosier |first2=Ana M. |date=2016-03-31 |title=Learning in Plants: Lessons from Mimosa pudica |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=7 |page=417 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00417 |issn=1664-1078 |pmc=4814444 |pmid=27065905 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Further experimentation was done in 1965 when Holmes and Gruenberg discovered that ''Mimosa'' could distinguish between two stimuli, a water drop and a finger touch. Their findings also demonstrated that the habituated behavior was not due to fatigue since the leaf-folding response returned when another stimulus was presented.<ref name=":3" />

Electrical signaling experiments were conducted on ''Mimosa pudica'', where 1.3–1.5 [[volts]] and 2–10 [[Coulomb#SI prefixes|μC]] of charge acted as the threshold to induce closing of the leaves.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Volkov |first1=A. G. |last2=Foster |first2=J. C. |last3=Ashby |first3=T. A. |last4=Walker |first4=R. K. |last5=Johnson |first5=J. A. |last6=Markin |first6=V. S. |title=''Mimosa pudica'': Electrical and mechanical stimulation of plant movements |journal=Plant, Cell & Environment |volume=33 |issue=2 |date=February 2010 |pages=163–173 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3040.2009.02066.x |pmid=19895396 }}</ref> This topic was further explored in 2017 by neuroscientist [[Greg Gage]] who connected ''Mimosa pudica'' to ''Dionaea muscipula'', better known as the [[Venus flytrap]]. Both plants had electrical wiring connecting them and were linked to an [[electrocardiogram]]. The results showed how causing an action potential in one plant led to an electrical response, causing both plants to respond.<ref>{{cite AV media |last1=Gage |first1=Greg |title=Electrical experiments with plants that count and communicate {{!}} Greg Gage |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvBlSFVmoaw |publisher=TED |format=video |date=1 November 2017}}</ref>

Experiments were made on how [[anesthetics]] for animals could affect ''Mimosa pudica''. These experiments showed that anesthetics cause [[unconsciousness|narcosis]] of the motor organs, which was observed by the application of [[Volatility (chemistry)|volatile]] ether, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, formaldehyde, and other substances.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roblin |first1=G. |title=''Mimosa pudica'': a model for the study of the excitability in plants |date=1979 |journal=Biological Reviews |volume=54 |issue=2 |pages=135–153 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-185X.1979.tb00870.x |s2cid=85862359 }}</ref> In a preclinical study, methanolic extract of ''Mimosa pudica'' showed significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.<ref>Subramani Parasuraman, Teoh Huey Ching, Chong Hao Leong & Urmila Banik (2019) Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica (Fabaceae) in diabetic rats, Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6:1, 137–148. [[doi:10.1080/2314808X.2019.1681660]]</ref>

In 2018, two research groups from the Universities of [[University of Palermo|Palermo]] (Italy) and [[University of Lugano|Lugano]] (Switzerland) demonstrated the feasibility of using such plant as a building block for creating plant-based controllable two-color displays, exploiting air jets instead of electrical or touch-based stimulation.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Gentile|first1=Vito|last2=Sorce|first2=Salvatore|last3=Elhart|first3=Ivan|last4=Milazzo|first4=Fabrizio|title=Proceedings of the 7th ACM International Symposium on Pervasive Displays |chapter=Plantxel |date=June 2018|pages=1–8|doi=10.1145/3205873.3205888|hdl=10447/298750 |isbn=978-1-4503-5765-4|s2cid=173992261|url=http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3205873}}</ref>

In a 2022 study in the journal [[Nature Communications]],<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hagihara |first1=Takuma |last2=Mano |first2=Hiroaki |last3=Miura |first3=Tomohiro |last4=Hasebe |first4=Mitsuyasu |last5=Toyota |first5=Masatsugu |title=Calcium-mediated rapid movements defend against herbivorous insects in Mimosa pudica |journal=[[Nature Communications]] |date=14 November 2022 |volume=13 |issue=1 |page=6412 |doi=10.1038/s41467-022-34106-x |pmid=36376294 |pmc=9663552 |bibcode=2022NatCo..13.6412H |language=en |issn=2041-1723}}</ref> researchers used simultaneous recordings of cytosolic Ca2+ and electrical signals to show that rapid changes in Ca2+ coupled with action and variation potentials trigger rapid movements in wounded ''M. pudica''. Moreover, they found that disrupting cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics through pharmacological manipulation or [[CRISPR-Cas9]] genome editing made ''M. pudica'' more vulnerable to herbivorous insect attacks. The findings suggest that these rapid movements based on propagating Ca2+ and electrical signals serve a protective role for the plant against insect herbivory.

==Habitual learning==
{{Unreliable sources|date=June 2024|section}}
The simplest form of learning is the ability of an organism to have a certain level of sensitivity to the environment that allows the organism to respond to potentially harmful stimuli as well as the capability to learn and filter out irrelevant stimuli (habituation) or increase the response due to a learned stimulus (sensitization).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eisenstein|first1=E. M.|last2=Eisenstein|first2=D.|last3=Smith|first3=James C.|date=October 2001|title=The evolutionary significance of habituation and sensitization across phylogeny: A behavioral homeostasis model|journal=Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science |volume=36|issue=4|pages=251–265|doi=10.1007/bf02688794|s2cid=144514831|issn=1053-881X}}</ref> Research done by scientist [[Monica Gagliano]] has shown habituation in ''Mimosa pudica.''<ref name="Gagliano 63–72" /> In the experiment, ''M. pudica'' plants were repeatedly dropped until they stopped reacting to the stimulus. This seemed to show that the plants were learning that this disturbance did not hurt them, and ceased to react. However, to show that it was not that the plants were simply exhausted, some plants were exposed to a new stimulus (being shaken). These plants reacted fully to this stimulus, despite not reacting to the act of being dropped, suggesting the plants really had learned to recognize the "feeling" of being dropped. Further experiments showed that the plants continued to not react to dropping for at least 28 days, suggesting that they have the capacity for some form of memory associated with their habituation.<ref name="Gagliano 63–72" />

In this experiment, researcher Monica Gagliano wanted to study if ''Mimosa'' plants in low-light conditions would have a greater potential for learning than those grown in high light. Plants that live in low-light environments have less of an opportunity for photosynthesis compared to plants that live in high-light environments where sunshine is not a problem. When the ''Mimosa'' plant folds in its leaves as a defensive mechanism there is an energetic trade off, since folding its leaves reduces the amount of photosynthesis the ''Mimosa'' can perform during the closed period by 40%, but provides a rapid defensive mechanism against potentially harmful predators or external stimulation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hoddinott |first=John |date=1977 |title=Rates Of Translocation And Photosynthesis In Mimosa Pudica L. |journal=New Phytologist |volume=79 |issue=2 |pages=269–272 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.1977.tb02204.x |doi-access=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Eisner |first=Thomas |date=1981-01-01 |title=Leaf folding in a sensitive plant: A defensive thorn-exposure mechanism? |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=78 |issue=1 |pages=402–404 |doi=10.1073/pnas.78.1.402 |pmid=16592957 |bibcode=1981PNAS...78..402E |pmc=319061 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

Since the low-light plants were already in low-energy environments and folding their leaves would be more energetically costly to the plant, researchers predicted the low-light plants would have adapted to have faster habitual learning capabilities so they could filter out unharmful stimuli to increase their energy production. Plants were either grown in high-light or low-light conditions. The plants were stimulated by being dropped from 15 cm for either a single drop or consecutive training sessions where the plants were repeatedly dropped. The plants were then shaken as a novel stimuli to test that the plants were suppressing their leaf folding reflex from habitual learning and not from exhaustion (dishabituation test). The first group was tested to see if short-term memory was enough for plants to modify their behaviour.

Regardless of what light group the plants were in, one drop was not enough for the plants to learn to ignore the stimulation. For the groups that were dropped repetitively, the plants stopped folding their leaves and were even fully open after a drop before the end of the trainings. The low-light plants learned faster to ignore the dropping stimulation than the high-light plants. When the plants were shaken, they responded immediately by folding their leaves, which suggests that the plants were not ignoring the dropping stimulation due to exhaustion.<ref name="Gagliano 63–72">{{Cite journal |last1=Gagliano |first1=Monica |last2=Renton |first2=Michael |last3=Depczynski |first3=Martial |last4=Mancuso |first4=Stefano |date=2014-01-05|title=Experience teaches plants to learn faster and forget slower in environments where it matters|journal=Oecologia|volume=175|issue=1|pages=63–72|doi=10.1007/s00442-013-2873-7|pmid=24390479|issn=0029-8549|bibcode=2014Oecol.175...63G|s2cid=5038227}}</ref> This research suggests that the ''Mimosa'' has the capability for habitual learning and memory storage and that ''Mimosa'' plants grown in low-light conditions have faster learning mechanisms so they can reduce the amount of time their leaves are unnecessarily closed to optimize energy production. Further research suggests that both memory and habituation are present in wild ''Mimosa,'' and that they may be able to adjust habituation based on leaf age and pollination requirements.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Serpell |first1=Ella |last2=Chaves-Campos |first2=Johel |date=March 2022 |title=Memory and habituation to harmful and non-harmful stimuli in a field population of the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0266467421000559/type/journal_article |journal=Journal of Tropical Ecology |language=en |volume=38 |issue=2 |pages=89–98 |doi=10.1017/S0266467421000559 |s2cid=245371959 |issn=0266-4674|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Amador-Vargas |first1=Sabrina |last2=Dominguez |first2=Marisol |last3=León |first3=Gunnary |last4=Maldonado |first4=Belén |last5=Murillo |first5=Johanna |last6=Vides |first6=Gabriel L. |date=2014-12-01 |title=Leaf-folding response of a sensitive plant shows context-dependent behavioral plasticity |journal=Plant Ecology |language=en |volume=215 |issue=12 |pages=1445–1454 |doi=10.1007/s11258-014-0401-4 |bibcode=2014PlEco.215.1445A |s2cid=255104459 |issn=1573-5052|hdl=11336/20900 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

Given that plants lack a central nervous system, the means by which they send and store information is not obvious. There are two hypotheses for memory in ''Mimosa,'' neither of which has yet been generally accepted. The first is that when the plant is stimulated, it releases a surge of calcium ions that are sensed by the protein [[calmodulin]]. The relationship between the ions and proteins are thought to stimulate voltage-gated ion channels which cause electrical signals, which could be the base of plant long-term memory. The other hypothesis is that plant cells act similarly to neural cells by creating electrical gradients by opening and closing ion channels and passing it along cell junctions. The information passed along can control which genes are turned on and which genes are turned off, which could be a mode for long-term memory.<ref name="Gagliano 63–72"/>

==See also==
*''[[Codariocalyx motorius]]''
*[[Venus flytrap]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==


{{commons}}
* [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/name/Mimosa_pudica View occurrences of ''Mimosa pudica'' in the Biodiversity Heritage Library]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050407172948/http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/POW/sensitive_plant.htm "Sensitive Plant" page by Dr. T. Ombrello]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140202143249/http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/58015/IPA-Common-Sensitive-Plant-PP38.pdf Fact Sheet from the Queensland (Australia) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20010220030529/http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/records/rec117.htm Page about nyctinasty and leaf movement of ''Mimosa pudica''] by John Hewitson
* [http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/nastic/mimosa/mimosa.html 1] and [http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/nastic/mimosa/strongmimosa.html 2]
* {{cite web |url=http://www.ethnoplants.com/mimosa-pudica |title=Video:MIMOSA PUDICA SENSITIVE:guide de culture |publisher=Ethnoplants.com |access-date=2009-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913093648/http://www.ethnoplants.com/mimosa-pudica/ |archive-date=2009-09-13 }}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q148532}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mimosa|pudica]]
[[Category:Flora of Southern America]]
[[Category:Flora of the Neotropical realm]]
[[Category:Garden plants of Central America]]
[[Category:Garden plants of South America]]
[[Category:House plants]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Botanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Subshrubs]]
[[Category:Plants with thorns]]

Abrus precatorius

2026-07-28T07:52:31Z

Adminkk:

{{Short description|Species of flowering plant in the bean family}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Abrus precatorius pods.jpg
|genus = Abrus
|species = precatorius
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]<ref name=POWO>{{cite web | title = ''Abrus precatorius'' L. | work = [[Plants of the World Online]] | publisher = [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] | access-date = April 17, 2018}}</ref>
|range_map = Abrus precatorius DistMap.png
|range_map_caption = Occurrence data from [[GBIF]]
|synonyms =
{{Species list
| Abrus maculatus | Noronha
| Abrus pauciflorus | Desv.
| Glycine abrus | L.
| Orobus americanus | Mill.
| Zaga latifolia | Raf.
| Zaga parvifolia | Raf.
}}
|synonyms_ref = <ref name=POWO/>
}}

'''''Abrus precatorius''''', commonly known as '''jequirity bean''' or '''rosary pea''', is a [[herbaceous]] [[flowering plant]] in the bean family [[Fabaceae]]. It is a slender, perennial climber with long, [[Pinnation|pinnate]]-leafleted [[Leaf|leaves]] that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedges.

The plant is best known for its [[seed]]s, which are used as [[bead]]s and in percussion instruments, and which are [[toxic]] because of the presence of [[abrin]]. Ingestion of a single seed, well chewed, can be fatal to both adults and children.<ref name="IPCS">{{cite web |title=Abrus precatorius L. |publisher=IPCS INCHEM |access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref> The plant is native to Asia and Australia.<ref name=POWO/> It has a tendency to become [[weed]]y and invasive where it has been introduced.

==Names==
''Abrus precatorius'' is commonly known as jequirity,<ref name="wagstaff-2008">{{cite book |title=International Poisonous Plants Checklist: An Evidence-Based Reference |last=Wagstaff |first=D. Jesse |year=2008 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |isbn=978-1-4200-6252-6 |page=1 |access-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref> Crab's eye,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /> rosary pea,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /> paternoster pea,<ref name=Hockings>{{cite book |title=A Badaga-English dictionary |publisher=Mouton de Gruyer |author1=Paul Hockings |author2=Christiane Pilot-Raichoor |page=246 |isbn=978-3-11-012677-8 |year=1992}}</ref> love pea,<ref name=Hockings /> precatory pea or bean,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /> prayer bead,<ref name=Hockings /> John Crow Bead,<ref>{{cite book |title=Phytochemical Dictionary of the Leguminosae, Volume 1 |last=Bisby |first=Frank |year=1994 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-0-412-39770-7 |page=1 |access-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref> coral bead,<ref name=Hockings /> red-bead vine,<ref name=Hockings /> country licorice,<ref name=Hockings /> Indian licorice,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /> wild licorice,<ref name=Hockings /> Jamaica wild licorice,<ref name=Hockings /> olinda (in Sri Lanka/Sinhala), gulaganji (in [[Kannada]]), kundumani (in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]),<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Karthikeyan |first1=Aishwarya |last2=Amalnath |first2=S. Deepak |date=April 2017 |title=Abrus precatorius Poisoning: A Retrospective Study of 112 Patients |journal=Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine |volume=21 |issue=4 |pages=224–225 |doi=10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_320_16 |issn=0972-5229 |pmc=5416790 |pmid=28515607 }}</ref> coondrimany,<ref name=Hockings /> gidee gidee,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /> [[Jumbie]] bead,<ref name="wagstaff-2008" /><ref name="Mendes 1986, p. 79">Mendes (1986), p. 79.</ref> ratti (in Hindi) / rettee / retty, weather plant,<ref name=Hockings /> or Gunja (in Marathi).

In Africa, ''Abrus precatorius'' is known as ''ojuologbo'' ([[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]), ''oto-berebere'' ([[Igbo language|Igbo]]), ''idonzakara'' ([[Hausa language|Hausa]]), and ''nneminua'' (Ib) in southwestern [[Nigeria]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Okoko |first1=Ini-Ibehe E. |last2=Osinubi |first2=Abraham A.A. |last3=Olabiyi |first3=Olaleye O. |last4=Kusemiju |first4=Taiwo O. |last5=Noronha |first5=Cressie C. |last6=Okanlawon |first6=Abayomi O. |date=July 2010 |title=Antiovulatory and Anti-Implantation Potential of the Methanolic Extract of Seeds of Abrus Precatorius in the Rat |journal=Endocrine Practice |volume=16 |issue=4 |pages=554–560 |doi=10.4158/EP09011.OR |pmid=20150030 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ezuruike |first1=Udoamaka F. |last2=Prieto |first2=Jose M. |date=2014-09-11 |title=The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=155 |issue=2 |pages=857–924 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.055 |pmid=24929108 |issn=0378-8741 }}</ref> and ''obirekuaiura'' in [[Ghana]].<ref>{{Citation |chapter=Medicinal Plants of Ghana |date=2011-09-15 |title=Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement |pages=245–270 |publisher=CRC Press |doi=10.1201/b11177-14 |isbn=978-0-429-09361-6}}</ref>

==Ecology and invasiveness==
[[File:Abrus precatorius - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-002.jpg|thumb|right|From Koehler's ''Medicinal-Plants'']]

''Abrus precatorius'' is a severely [[Invasive species|invasive]] plant in warm temperate to tropical regions, so much so that it has become effectively [[pantropical]] in distribution. It had been widely introduced by humans, and the brightly coloured and hard-shelled seeds had been spread by birds. By the end of the twentieth century, it had been proclaimed as an invasive weed in many regions including some in [[Belize]], [[Caribbean|Caribbean Islands]], [[Hawaii]], [[Polynesia]] and parts of the [[United States|mainland United States]]. In [[Florida]] in particular, the plant has invaded undisturbed pinelands and hammocks, including the vulnerable [[South Florida rocklands|pine rocklands]].

Once ''Abrus precatorius'' plants have grown to maturity under favourable conditions, their deep roots are extremely difficult to remove, and the plants' aggressive growth, hard-shelled seeds, and ability to [[Basal shoot|sucker]], renders an infestation extremely difficult to eradicate and makes it very difficult to prevent re-infestation. Herbicides such as [[glyphosate]] are effective, but need skilled application if they are not to do more harm than good.<ref>{{cite book |title=Identification and Biology of Nonnative Plants in Florida's Natural Areas |first=K.A. |last=Langeland |publisher=University of Florida-IFAS |edition=Second |year=2008}}</ref>

==Toxin==
{{main|Abrin}}

The [[toxin]] [[abrin]] is a [[protein dimer|dimer]] consisting of two [[protein subunit]]s, termed A and B. The B chain facilitates abrin's entry into a cell by bonding to certain [[transport protein]]s on [[cell membrane]]s, which then transport the toxin into the cell. Once inside the cell, the A chain prevents [[protein synthesis]] by inactivating the 28S RNA of the [[ribosome]]. One molecule of abrin will inactivate up to 1,500 ribosomes per second.

Symptoms are identical to those of [[ricin]], except abrin is more toxic by almost two orders of magnitude; the fatal dose of abrin is approximately 1/75 that of the fatal dose of ricin (though the abrin in ingested seeds may be absorbed much more slowly than the ricin in ''Ricinus communis'' even if the seeds are chewed and the coat penetrated, allowing time for successful rescue efforts in at least some cases). Abrin has an {{LD50}} of only 0.56 [[micrograms|μg]]/kg in mice, and Kingsbury lists a toxic dose in humans at 0.00015% body weight, or approximately 0.1 mg for a {{convert|150|lb|kg|adj=on|abbr=on|order=flip}} human. Ingesting intact seeds may result in no clinical findings, as they can pass undigested through the gastrointestinal tract because of their hard shell.<ref>Jang D.H., Hoffman R.S., Lewis L.S. "Attempted suicide, by mail order: Abrus precatorius". Clinical Toxicology. Conference: 2010 International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. 48 (3) (pp 308), 2010.</ref>

This plant is also [[List of plants poisonous to equines|poisonous to horses]].<ref>{{cite book |title=A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North America |last1=Knight |first1=Anthony |last2=Walter |first2=Richard |year=2001 |publisher=Teton NewMedia |isbn=978-1-893441-11-8 |page=121 |access-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref>

Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, liver failure, and death, usually after several days.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database: Biotoxin: ABRIN – NIOSH |publisher=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |website=cdc.gov |access-date=2015-12-30}}</ref>

==Uses==
[[File:Abrus precatorius seeds.jpg|thumb|250px|The bright red seeds of ''A. precatorius'' are strung as jewelry.]]

=== Jewelry ===
The seeds of ''Abrus precatorius'' are much valued in native [[jewelry]] for their bright coloration. Most beans are black and red, reminiscent of a [[ladybug]], though other colors exist. Jewelry-making with jequirity seeds is rumored to be somewhat hazardous. There are persistent reports that the workers who pierce the seeds in order to thread them can suffer poisoning or even death from a pinprick, but there seems to be little evidence.

In Trinidad in the West Indies the brightly colored seeds are strung into bracelets and worn around the wrist or ankle to ward off [[jumbie]]s or evil spirits and "mal-yeux"—the [[evil eye]]. The Tamils use ''Abrus'' seeds of different colors. The red variety with black eye is the most common, but there are black, white and green varieties as well.

In December 2011 a recall was issued for bracelets made using jequirity beans sold by the [[Eden Project]] and other outlets in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eden Project recalls tropical seed bracelets |date=23 December 2011 |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

=== Unit of measure ===
The seeds of ''Abrus precatorius'' are very consistent in weight, even under different moisture conditions due to the water-impermeable seed-coat.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sharma |first1=Rajender Kumar |last2=Bajwa |first2=Ali |title=Physical seed dormancy in Abrus precatorious (Ratti): a scientific validation of indigenous technique |journal=Experimental Results |date=4 February 2021 |volume=2 |doi=10.1017/exp.2020.64 |issn=2516-712X}}</ref> Formerly Indians used these seeds to weigh gold using a measure called a ''[[Ratti (unit)|Ratti]]'', where 8 Ratti = 1 Masha; 12 Masha = 1 Tola (11.6 Grams).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wheeler |first1=Mortimer |title=Early India and Pakistan |date=1959 |publisher=Thames and Hudson |location=London |edition=Revised}}</ref>

=== As a weapon ===
According to the 1898 [[King's American Dispensatory]],
<blockquote>Abrus seeds are the agents by which the [[Chamar|Chamàr]] or "Native Skinner" caste of India carry on the felonious poisoning of cattle for the purpose of securing their hides. This is done by means of small spikes, called ''sui'' (needles) or ''sutari'' (awls), which are prepared by soaking the awl in a thin paste of the water-soaked, pounded seeds, and then drying the weapon in the sun, after which it is oiled and sharpened upon stone, affixed in a handle, and then used to puncture the skin of the animal.</blockquote>

An 1881 work by the District Superintendent of Police for British-occupied [[Bengal]] details the preparation and use of the ''sutari'' for the killing of cattle and in at least six murder cases. A native, promised a reduced sentence for the poisoning of a fellow villager's bullock in exchange for his testimony, demonstrated the technique. First the outer shells of red or white seeds were cracked between stones, then the two [[cotyledon]]s from within thirty or forty seeds were soaked in water for ten minutes. These seeds were ground to a paste and rolled up into six sharp-ended one-inch cones, which were inserted into either end of three pieces of straw and "exposed to the moderate influence of the sun" to dry, whereupon they regained some of the original hardness of the seed. In this account, the sutaries were described as being these cones, entirely made up of the hardened seed paste. The dried cones were checked for sharpness, and if need be, whetted with a brick and re-set. Finally, to prevent softening, they were waterproofed by "burying them for a night in some sort of animal grease." For testing, which Major Ramsay asked to be done exactly like a surreptitious killing, the prisoner set two sutaries into a 1.5-inch wooden handle meant to be held in the hand by pressing them into a rag stretched over sockets in the wood. A wandering "Brahmanee bull" was procured, and the prisoner brought the sutari down in one direction and away in the other, so as to break off the cones inside the animal's flesh behind the horn, then pressed the skin over the broken ends leaving no obvious trace of the injury. This process was repeated with two more cones to the base of the animal's tongue. The bull died after 34.5 hours, leaving no visible trace of the sutaries but a small amount of pus at the wound site, whose swelling had mostly subsided by the time of death.<ref>{{cite book |title=Detective footprints: with bearings for a future course |author=Major H. M. Ramsay |publisher=Army and Navy Co-operative Society, Limited |year=1881 |pages=42–65}}</ref>

The 1890 ''Pharmacographia Indica'' gives an account, based in part on the above work, describing the sutaris or suis (the terms being equivalent, depending on district, with the former based on the object's resemblance to the point of a cobbler's awl). It describes the sutaris as 3/4 inch long and weighing 1.5 to 2 grains, varying in color from dirty white to black, and describes the handle as 3 to 3.5 inches long and frequently made from two joints of bamboo wood, with sockets 1/4 to 3/8 inch deep and with the cavity exposed at one end for storage of additional sutaris. The weapons were sometimes made with the milky juice of ''[[Calotropis gigantea]]'' instead of water, which was said to speed the effect, and were sometimes supplemented with metallic mercury, dhatura, aconite, and/or arsenic. It is added that "any attempt to withdraw the sutari by pulling at the pieces sticking out, invariably breaks it, a portion being left in the wound." One man murdered by a single blow with a pair of sutaris died after three days; another, from whom the material had been successfully excised, died three days later of tetanus. The price of one of these killings was said to total 16.5 rupees; the killers were punished by [[transportation for life]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Pharmacographia Indica: a history of the principal drugs of vegetable origin met with in India |publisher=Kegan Paul, Trench, Truebner & Co. (London) |year=1890 |author1=William Dymock |author2=C.J.H. Warden |author3=David Hooper |pages=444–445}}</ref>

=== In traditional medicine ===
''Abrus precatorius'', called {{Lang|kn|Gulaganji}} in Kannada, {{Lang|ta|kundu mani}} in Tamil, {{Lang|te|Guruvinda ginja}} in Telugu and {{Lang|ml|Kunni kuru}} in Malayalam, has been used in [[Siddha medicine]] for centuries. The white variety is used to prepare oil that is claimed to be an [[aphrodisiac]].<ref>Raamachandran, J. "Herbs of Siddha medicines: The First 3D Book on Herbs", page 2.</ref> A tea is made from the leaves and used for fevers, coughs and colds.<ref name="Mendes 1986, p. 79"/> Seeds are poisonous and therefore are only consumed after heat treatment.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Verma |first1=D. |last2=Tiwari |first2=S. S. |last3=Srivastava |first3=S. |last4=Rawat |first4=A. |title=Pharmacognostical evaluation and phytochemical standardization of Abrus precatorius L. seeds |journal=Natural Product Sciences |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=51–57 |year=2011 }}</ref> The Tamil Siddhars knew about the toxic effects in plants and suggested various methods which is called "suththi seythal" or purification. This is done by boiling the seeds in milk and then drying them. Like with [[castor oil]], the protein toxin is [[protein denaturation|denatured]] when subjected to high temperatures rendering it innocuous.<ref name="IPCS"/>

The 1889 book 'The Useful Native Plants of Australia' records that "The roots of this plant are used in India as a substitute for liquorice, though they are somewhat bitter. In Java the roots are considered demulcent. The leaves, when mixed with honey, are applied to swellings, and in Jamaica are used as a substitute for tea. Under the name of "Jequirity" the seeds have recently been employed in cases of [[ophthalmia]], a use to which they have long been put in India and Brazil."<ref name="MAIDEN">{{cite book |last=Maiden |first=J. H. |title=The Useful Native Plants of Australia, (Including Tasmania) |date=1889 |publisher=The Technological Museum of New South Wales |location=Sydney |page=148 |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref>

The plant is also used in [[Ayurveda]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Major Herbs of Ayurveda |isbn=978-0-443-07203-1 |last1=Williamson |first1=Elizabeth M. |year=2002 |publisher=Churchill Livingstone}}</ref> and is said to promote hair growth. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in Indian hair products.

The leaves of ''Abrus precatorius'' are used by indigenous communities of the [[Western Region (Ghana)|Western region]] of Ghana as a traditional anti-diabetic remedy.

==Laboratory study of extracts==

A variety of pharmacological effects have been observed in rodents, but have not been demonstrated clinically in humans, including:
* An [[ethanol]]ic extract of ''Abrus precatorius'' was found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic potential in rodents.
* A [[methanol]]ic extract of ''A. precatorius'' seeds causes reversible alterations in the estrous cycle pattern and completely blocked ovulation in [[Sprague-Dawley rat]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Okoko |first1=I. I. |last2=Osinubi |first2=A. A. |last3=Olabiyi |first3=O. O. |last4=Kusemiju |first4=T. O. |last5=Noronha |first5=C. C. |last6=nlawon |first6=A. O. |title=Antiovulatory and anti-implantation potential of the methanolic extract of seeds of Abrus precatorius in the rat |journal=Endocrine Practice |volume=16 |issue=4 |pages=554–560 |year=2010 |doi=10.4158/ep09011.or |pmid=20150030 }}</ref>
* Studies on aqueous, methanolic, and chloroform extracts of ''Abrus precatorius'' showed inhibitory activity against a number of disease-causing bacteria such as ''[[Bacillus subtilis]]'', ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]'', ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', ''[[Salmonella typhimurium]]'', and ''[[Escherichia coli]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |pmc=3733201 |year=2012 |last1=Roy |first1=S. |title=A comparative antibacterial evaluation of raw and processed Guñjā (Abrus precatorius Linn.) seeds |journal=Ancient Science of Life |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=20–23 |last2=Acharya |first2=R. |last3=Mandal |first3=N. C. |last4=Barman |first4=S. |last5=Ghosh |first5=R. |last6=Roy |first6=R. |pmid=23929989 |doi=10.4103/0257-7941.113794 }}</ref>
* A dried ethanolic leaf extract of ''Abrus precatorius'' showed pancreato-protective effects and glucose lowering effects in Sprague-Dawley rats.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Boye |first1=Alex |last2=Acheampong |first2=Desmond Omane |last3=Gyamerah |first3=Eric Ofori |last4=Asiamah |first4=Ernest Amponsah |last5=Addo |first5=Justice Kwaku |last6=Mensah |first6=Derrick Addae |last7=Brah |first7=Augustine Suurinobah |last8=Ayiku |first8=Philippa Jennifer |date=2020-08-10 |title=Glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects of Abrus Precatorius (L.) leaf extract in normoglycemic and STZ/Nicotinamide – Induced diabetic rats |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=258 |article-number=112918 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2020.112918 |pmid=32360561 |s2cid=218492743 |issn=0378-8741 }}</ref> This was found in another study to be through modulation of insulin and GLP-1 inversely with glucagon, noncompetitive inhibition of ''α''-amylase and ''α''-glucosidase, free radical scavenging, and recovery of damaged/necro-apoptosized pancreatic ''β''-cells.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Boye |first1=Alex |last2=Barku |first2=Victor Yao Atsu |last3=Acheampong |first3=Desmond Omane |last4=Ofori |first4=Eric Gyamerah |date=2021-07-24 |title=Abrus precatorius Leaf Extract Reverses Alloxan/Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats through Hormonal (Insulin, GLP-1, and Glucagon) and Enzymatic (α-Amylase/α-Glucosidase) Modulation |journal=BioMed Research International |volume=2021 |article-number=e9920826 |doi=10.1155/2021/9920826 |issn=2314-6133 |pmc=8325591 |pmid=34341763 }}</ref>

==Cultural significance==
In [[Rajasthan]], India, the Chirmi song is associated with this plant. There is also evidence that this plant has significant economic value to the traditional [[Zulu language|Zulu]] people, as it serves as a source of income for craftworkers who sell products made from its seeds.

During the [[Tang dynasty]], [[Wang Wei (Tang dynasty)|Wang Wei]] wrote a poem titled "One-hearted" (''Xiāng Sī'' / 相思), which refers to ''Abrus precatorius'' as a "red bean" (''hóng dòu'' / 红豆).

In [[Mathura district|Mathura]], India, the gods [[Vishnu]] and [[Krishna]] are associated with the seeds of the plant. Lord Krishna is sometimes depicted wearing the seeds on a [[Japamala|mala]] (rosary).

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:AbrusWhiteSeeds.jpg|White variety of seeds
File:Abrus precatorius W IMG 1578.jpg|''Abrus precatorius'' leaves and flowers
File:Abrus precatorius W2 IMG 1578.jpg|''Abrus precatorius'' flowers
File:IndianLicorice 7899.JPG|''Abrus precatorius'' seeds
File:Abrus_precatorius_%E2%80%94_Scott_Zona_001.jpg
File:Abrus precatorius-01.jpg
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of plants of Caatinga vegetation of Brazil]]
* [[List of poisonous plants]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
* Mendes, John (1986). ''Cote ce Cote la: Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary''. [[Arima]], Trinidad.

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikispecies}}
* [https://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant/abruspre.htm INCHEM – Chemical Safety Information from Intergovernmental Organizations: Abrus precatorius L.]
{{WestAfricanPlants|Abrus precatorius}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q190887}}

[[Category:Faboideae]]
[[Category:Flora of China]]
[[Category:Flora of tropical Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of Australia]]
[[Category:Decorative fruits and seeds]]
[[Category:Pantropical flora]]
[[Category:Austronesian agriculture]]
[[Category:Botanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]

[[te:గురివింద]] [[hi:गुंजा]] [[ltrc:Abrus_precatorius]]

Abrus precatorius

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Adminkk: Created page with " {{Short description|Species of flowering plant in the bean family}} {{Speciesbox |image = Abrus precatorius pods.jpg |genus = Abrus |species = precatorius |authority = L.<ref name=POWO>{{cite web | title = ''Abrus precatorius'' L. | work = Plants of the World Online | publisher = Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | access-date = April 17, 2018}}</ref> |range_map = Abrus precatorius DistMap.png |range_map_caption = Occurrence data from GBIF |synony..."

Jagdish Arora

2026-07-27T12:44:18Z

Adminkk: Created page with "{{Infobox | name = Dr. Jagdish Arora | image = Dr. Jagdish Arora | birth_date = 1956 | nationality = Indian | alma_mater = University of Delhi (M.Lib.ISc) University of Rajasthan (Ph.D.) | known_for = Library & Information Science, Digital Library, Open Access, Consortia, Digital Repository, Library 2.0, Union Database | awards=ILA-Koula Best Librarian Award Young Librarian Award SIS Fellowship | occupat..."

{{Infobox
| name = Dr. Jagdish Arora
| image = [[File:Jagdish_Arora.jpg|thumb|Dr. Jagdish Arora]]
| birth_date = 1956
| nationality = Indian
| alma_mater = [[University of Delhi]] (M.Lib.ISc) [[University of Rajasthan]] (Ph.D.)
| known_for = Library & Information Science, Digital Library, Open Access, Consortia, Digital Repository, Library 2.0, Union Database
| awards=ILA-Koula Best Librarian Award Young Librarian Award SIS Fellowship
| occupation = consultant, librarian and information scientist
| Employer = National Accreditation Board (NBA)
| website = [https://vidwan.inflibnet.ac.in/profile/1 vidwan.inflibnet.ac.in/profile/1]
}}

Dr. Jagdish Arora** (born 1956) is a distinguished Indian library and information scientist, known for his significant contributions to the field of library and information science (LIS) in India, particularly the development of digital libraries, open access initiatives, and library consortia. Currently, he is working as an advisor at the National Accreditation Board (NBA) in New Delhi. Dr. Arora has held important positions in various premier academic and research institutions during his career, with his long tenure as the Director of the Centre for Information and Library Networks (INFLIBNET) being particularly noteworthy.

## Early Life and Education

Dr. Jagdish Arora was born in 1956. He received his higher education from two prestigious universities in India. In 1977, he obtained a Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.ISc) degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Delhi. This degree was instrumental in providing him with a deeper understanding of library management, information organization, and recovery systems, laying the foundation for his future career.

Continuing his academic journey, Dr. Arora completed his Ph.D. from the University of Rajasthan in 1992. Done. His doctoral research work helped him gain in-depth expertise in the theoretical and practical aspects of library and information science, leading him to emerge as a leading thinker and researcher in this field. His education provided him with a strong foundation to understand and apply traditional library practices as well as emerging information technologies.

## Academic and Professional Career

Dr. Jagdish Arora's professional career began in 1983 and since then, he has held significant roles in several premier institutions in India, contributing significantly to the modernization and digitization of library and information services in the country.

His first important position was as a library-cum-documentation officer at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi from 1983 to 1991. In this role, he used his expertise to meet the information needs of a specific scientific research institution, providing him with initial experience in scientific documentation and information management.

In 1991, Dr. Arora joined the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), New Delhi as Deputy Librarian. He served in this position until 2002. At a premier technical institution like IIT, he played a crucial role in upgrading library services and integrating information technology. In this period, he gained significant experience in library automation and the management of digital resources.

In 2002, he was appointed as a Librarian at the Central Library of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Mumbai. This one-year stint (from 2002 to 2003) provided him with the opportunity to lead library services at another top engineering institution, where he focused on streamlining the library's operations and user services.

In 2003, Dr. Arora returned to IIT Delhi, this time as a librarian of the Central Library, where he served until 2007. In this position, he played a pivotal role in transforming the IIT Delhi library into a state-of-the-art information hub, catering to the evolving information needs of students, researchers, and faculty members. He emphasized on the acquisition of digital resources, providing access to e-journals and databases, and modernizing the library infrastructure.

The most influential phase of Dr. Arora's career was as the Director of the Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET), Gandhinagar from 2007 to 2018. INFLIBNET is an autonomous inter-university centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC), dedicated to promoting the modernization and networking of libraries in Indian universities. As Director, Dr. Arora spearheaded several national-level initiatives that transformed the academic and research landscape in India. Under his leadership, Inflibnet developed and implemented flagship programs such as Shodhganga, a digital repository of dissertations and short dissertations from Indian universities, promoting open access. He was also instrumental in the expansion of the N-LIST consortium, which gave access to e-resources to thousands of colleges. Additionally, the development of e-content portals such as the Vidwan Expert Database and e-PG Pathshala took place during his tenure, promoting digital education and research in India. He also promoted the sharing of e-resources and cost-effectiveness through the INDEST-AICTE Consortium, making it easier for Indian academic institutions to access high-quality research materials.

Since 2019, Dr. Jagdish Arora has been working as a consultant at the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) in New Delhi. The NBA is responsible for quality assurance and accreditation for technical and business programs in India. In this role, Dr. Arora utilizes his extensive LIS expertise in evaluating library and information resources in higher education institutions and setting quality standards, ensuring that institutions provide adequate and up-to-date information infrastructure for students and researchers.

## Research Contributions and Expertise

Dr. Jagdish Arora has made significant research contributions in the field of library and information science, and his expertise spans several key areas:

* **Library and Information Science (LIS):** He has demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience in both theoretical and practical aspects of LIS, including library management, information organization, information retrieval, and user services.
* **Library 2.0:** Dr. Arora has advocated for the integration of Web 2.0 technologies and user-centric services in libraries. This includes using tools such as social media, blogs, and wikis to make library services more interactive and collaborative, enhancing user engagement.
***Union Database:** He has played a key role in the creation and management of union databases at the national level. His work at Inflibnet helped create a centralized platform for bringing together and sharing the resources of Indian libraries, improving the discovery and accessibility of resources.
* **Digital Repository:** Dr. Arora has been a strong proponent of the development and implementation of digital repositories. Through initiatives such as Shodhganga, he helped establish a national digital repository for Indian dissertations and short dissertations, ensuring long-term preservation and widespread accessibility of scholarly works.
* **Digital Libraries:** He has played a leading role in the development and management of digital libraries in India. Their efforts have helped academic institutions access, organize, and distribute digital resources effectively, promoting distance learning and research.
* **Consortia:** Dr. Arora has successfully implemented the concept of Library Consortia, particularly during his tenure at Inflibnet. Consortia such as INDEST-AICTE and N-List have enabled institutions to purchase e-resources en masse, thereby reducing costs and increasing access to high-quality scholarly content.
* **Open Access:** He has been a strong supporter of the Open Access movement, which aims to make research results freely available to everyone without any barriers. He has played a key role in promoting open access policies and facilitating open access publishing through platforms such as Shodhganga.

His research and practical work have had a profound impact on the modernization and digitization of library and information services in India, revolutionizing access to information for the Indian academic community.

## Notable Publications

While details of specific publications are not provided, Dr. Jagdish Arora has authored several research papers, articles, and possibly books in the field of Library and Information Science based on his extensive experience and expertise. His publications will likely focus on topics such as the development of digital libraries, the implementation of open access initiatives, the management of library consortia, and the application of information technology in India. He has presented his research at national and international conferences and published in prestigious journals, leading to the dissemination of his ideas and innovations in the LIS community. His writings have played a crucial role in shaping the future of libraries in India, particularly regarding the adaptation of information services in the digital age.

## Awards and Recognition

Dr. Jagdish Arora has been honoured with several prestigious awards and honours for his outstanding contribution in the field of Library and Information Science:

ILA-Kaula Best Librarian Award:** He has been awarded this prestigious award by the Indian Library Association (ILA). The award is one of the highest honours bestowed on library professionals in India, recognising exceptional leadership and innovation in library services and management.
* **Young Librarian Award:** Awarded to him

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