Can Mimosa pudica help with erectile dysfunction? Mimosa pudica aka touch-me-not plant may improve erectile functions by inhibiting the activities of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, this will encourage blood flow to male organ and cause erection.
cGMP is a molecule that plays a role in erectile function, but can be inhibited by the activity of (PDE5) enzyme. In addition to these benefits, Mimosa is also said to have other medicinal uses, such as relieving anxiety, depression, and pain.
Curious about what is Mimosa tea used for? Mimosa tea which is made from the extract of the touch-me-not plant is believed to have a variety of health benefits [1]. These benefits include improved emotional and mental stability [2], better sleep quality, and increased erectile function.
This post goes beyond touch-me-not and erectile dysfunction but also covers some interesting facts about the plant, its medicinal uses, and side effects.
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (cGMP PDE5) is an enzyme that breaks down cGMP, a molecule that plays a role in the cardiovascular system. cGMP PDE5 is found in many tissues, but it is most concentrated in the corpus cavernosum, the erectile tissue of the penis, and the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
cGMP PDE5 is essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. When cGMP levels are high, it relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily. This is why cGMP PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), are used to treat erectile dysfunction.
What is Mimosa pudica?
The touch-me-not plant, also known as Mimosa pudica, is a curious and fascinating plant that is known for its ability to fold its leaves inward when touched or shaken. This reaction is caused by a change in the plant’s turgor pressure, which is the pressure of the water inside the cells. When the plant is touched, the cells in the leaves lose water, causing them to collapse. The plant then reopens a few minutes later as the cells rehydrate.
Fact about touch-me-not plant (Mimosa pudica)
Here are some other interesting facts about the touch-me-not plant:
The plant’s leaves are sensitive to light as well as touch. They will close at night and reopen in the morning.
The plant’s leaves can also close if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
The touch-me-not plant is a member of the legume family, which also includes beans, peas, and lentils.
The plant’s flowers are small and pink or purple.
In addition to its curious defense mechanism, the touch-me-not plant also has some medicinal properties. The plant’s leaves and roots have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including jaundice, asthma, smallpox, and ulcers. Studies have also noted that extract from the plant can help treat erectile dysfunction.
Mimosa pudica and erectile dysfunction
Mimosa pudica is a plant that has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac plant [3], and to improve male erectile function. Recent studies have shown that bioactive compounds from this plant may have the ability to inhibit the PDE5 enzyme, which is involved in the erectile process. This inhibition of PDE5 can lead to an increase in the levels of cGMP, which can help with penile erection. The research also showed that all the bioactive molecules that were studied can be synthesized in a laboratory.
In other words, mimosa pudica may have the potential to be a natural treatment for ED. However, more research is needed to confirm this and to determine the optimal dosage and safety of the plant [4, 5].
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How Mimosa pudica improves erectile function
According to the research, Mimosa pudica root extract can inhibit the PDE5 enzyme, which in turn promotes blood flow to the male organ and cause an erection.
PDE5 is an enzyme that is found in the walls of blood vessels. It breaks down cGMP, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels.
When PDE5 is blocked, it prevents the enzyme from breaking down cGMP. This causes cGMP levels to build up, which leads to relaxation of the blood vessels.
Increased blood flow can help treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension.
In ED, increased blood flow to the penis can help men achieve and maintain an erection. In pulmonary hypertension, increased blood flow to the lungs can help improve symptoms such as shortness of breath.
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Mimosa pudica: touch-me-not medicinal uses
What does Mimosa pudica do for the body? Mimosa pudica aka touch-me-not holds great medicinal value and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, fight off infections caused by bacteria, and more detailed below.
Here are some known medicinal uses and benefits of touch-me-not powder, leaves, or root extract.
Useful in neutralizing snake venoms
Mimosa pudica is effective against snake venoms, due to its anti-venom properties, it has been noted in different scientific research, that extract from touch-me-not plants can help neutralize venom from snake or dog bites [6, 7]. There are also claims that it may aid wound healing [8].
Can help fights body inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory: the touch-me-not plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
The results of a supporting study suggest that the compounds found in the touch-me-not plant have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds were able to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for inflammation. This finding supports the traditional use of Mimosa pudica to prevent inflammatory-related disorders [9, 10].
Can be used to inhibit bacteria activities.
Antibacterial: the touch-me-not plant also has antibacterial properties. This can help to fight off infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, stomach infections, and skin infections [11]
A supporting study pointed out that the antibacterial properties of the plant are attributed to its rich phytochemical compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and glycosyl flavones [12].
Can enhance the body’s immune functions
Have Immunomodulatory properties: the touch-me-not plant can help to boost the immune system. This can help the body to fight off infections and diseases [13, 14].
Relieves stomach discomfort
Have antispasmodic properties: the touch-me-not plant can help to relax the muscles, which can be helpful for conditions such as cramps, diarrhea, and asthma [15].
May inhibit cancer growth.
Have anticancer properties: some studies have shown that the touch-me-not plant may have anticancer properties. This is due to the plant’s high content of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals [16, 17, 18, 19]
How to use the touch-me-not plant
Here are some ways to use the touch-me-not plant for health benefits:
Making tea. You can make tea from the leaves of the touch-me-not plant by boiling the leaves in water for a few minutes. The tea can then be drunk to help with inflammation, infections, and other conditions.
Making a paste. You can also make a paste from the leaves of the touch-me-not plant. The paste can be applied to the skin to help with inflammation, pain, and other conditions.
Taking capsules. You can also find capsules containing the extract of the touch-me-not plant. These capsules can be taken orally to help with a variety of conditions.
Mimosa pudica side effects
Here are some potential side effects of Mimosa pudica.
It is important to note that the touch-me-not plant can have some side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It is also important to avoid using the touch-me-not plant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are considering using the touch-me-not plant for health benefits, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to determine if it is right for you and how to use it safely.
JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.
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