ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread health issue, which affects more people across the globe. This is a chronic hyperglycemic condition that is characterized by metabolic abnormality. The increased demand of safe and affordable treatment modalities has led to interest in herbal remedies especially that of Mimosa pudica. Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Mimosa pudica according to its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and laboratory test in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Published research articles that explored the phytochemistry, antidiabetic processes and experiments on Mimosa pudica have been thoroughly searched using literature search. The in vitro data available to test enzyme inhibition, cell cultures and in vivo data on animal models of diabetes (STZ-, alloxan-induced and high-fat diet-induced models) were reviewed. Key Findings: Mimosa pudica contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, phenolics and saponins. Research has demonstrated that the plant is effective in lowering the concentration of blood glucose, controlling lipid metabolism, increasing insulin release and protecting pancreatic beta-cells. The mechanisms involved in these processes include α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, facilitating glucose uptake through GLUT4 activation, alleviating oxidative damage, and reducing inflammation. Conclusion: Although Mimosa pudica has much potential in being an antidiabetic drug, a lack of clinical evidence is a challenge. More properly-conducted clinical studies are thus urgently required to establish its efficacy and safety in use by humans.