Repeated dose oral toxicity of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) aerial parts in mice

Context: Mimosa pudica L., belonging to the Fabaceae family, has been widely used in natural and traditional medicine because of its proven pharmacological properties. The present study examines through a preclinical toxicity assay, the safety of leaves and stems decoction of this plant used in popular medicine. Aims: To evaluate the oral toxicity at repeated doses of the M. pudica aerial parts. Methods: The toxicity assay was carried out using the limit test method by the administration of M. pudica decoction at repeated doses (1000 mg/kg of weight) for 28 days, to NMRI mice of both sexes. The body weight and clinical signs were assessed throughout the experimental period; and hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as, histopathological analysis of the main organs were evaluated at the end of the study. Results: The body weight of the animals treated with the plant decoction showed a significant decrease with respect to controls (p<0.05). The hematological parameters did not show alterations, while the biochemical markers exhibited a decrease in plasma proteins and an increase in glucose and the alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity. The histopathological study showed slight alterations in the brain, liver, lung, heart, thymus, and kidneys of experimental mice. Conclusions: The biochemical and histopathological results suggest that the decoction of M. pudica, administered orally at repeated doses, caused slight alterations that warn about the risks of its traditional use.