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Mimosa Bark Extract

Also known as: Mimosa bark extract, Mimosa hostilis, Jurema preta, Mimosa pudica, Mimosa verrucosa, Mimosa pteridifolia, Mimosa tenuiflora

Overview

Mimosa bark extract is derived primarily from the bark of *Mimosa tenuiflora*, a leguminous tree native to Brazil and other parts of South America. This botanical extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Traditionally, it has been utilized for its wound healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. More recently, research has explored its potential for cognitive enhancement and neuropsychiatric applications. The extract exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, with potential neuroactive properties attributed to its alkaloid content. While ethnopharmacological and preclinical studies are abundant, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, with most evidence stemming from in vitro and animal studies, and some systematic reviews highlighting its potential.

Benefits

Mimosa bark extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effects include significant wound healing and antimicrobial activity, particularly when applied topically. Clinical studies support its efficacy in treating varicose ulcers and skin wounds, showing broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. For cognitive function, a systematic review and network meta-analysis found that extracts related to *Mimosa tenuiflora* (referred to as RPTW extracts) significantly improved overall cognition in healthy adults, with a high SUCRA ranking (95.9%) for cognitive enhancement. Secondary effects include potential antidiabetic activity, as in vitro studies have shown α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, suggesting a role in blood sugar regulation, though clinical data are currently lacking. Some *Mimosa* species bark extracts have also shown weak cytotoxic effects against human tumor cell lines in vitro. Benefits are most evident in healthy adults for cognition and in patients with skin wounds for topical applications.

How it works

The mechanism of action for Mimosa bark extract's wound healing and antimicrobial effects is primarily attributed to its polyphenol and tannin content, which disrupt microbial membranes and promote tissue repair processes. For cognitive enhancement, the exact pathways are still under investigation, but it may involve neuroactive alkaloids like DMT modulating neurotransmitter systems, potentially through serotonin receptor agonism. The extract's antidiabetic potential is linked to its ability to inhibit enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in carbohydrate digestion. Oral bioavailability of alkaloids like DMT is generally low without the co-administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Side effects

Mimosa bark extract is generally considered safe for traditional topical use, but its oral safety is less characterized. Common side effects are rarely reported, with topical application occasionally causing mild irritation. Uncommon or rare side effects include potential psychoactive effects due to the presence of alkaloids like DMT, especially if consumed orally in high doses or in combination with MAOIs; caution is strongly advised. There is a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome due to possible interactions with serotonergic drugs, given the alkaloid content. Therefore, individuals on MAO inhibitors or serotonergic medications should use Mimosa bark extract with extreme caution. Safety in special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, and psychiatric patients has not been established, and its use in these groups is contraindicated until further research is available.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for Mimosa bark extract is not well established, and clinical studies show wide variations in dosing and extract standardization. There is no consensus on an optimal oral dosage for cognitive benefits, as studies often use standardized extracts with limited detailed information. The maximum safe oral dose is unknown, though traditional topical use is considered safe. For cognitive benefits, daily dosing over several weeks has been observed in studies. For wound healing, topical applications vary in duration. Oral bioavailability of its active compounds may be limited, and co-administration with MAO inhibitors could significantly alter effects and safety. No specific cofactors are established as required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is Mimosa bark extract psychoactive?

It contains psychoactive alkaloids like DMT, but typical supplement doses are unlikely to produce strong psychoactive effects unless combined with MAO inhibitors, which can increase their bioavailability.

Can it be used for cognitive enhancement?

Some systematic review evidence suggests modest cognitive benefits in healthy adults, but more rigorous, Mimosa-specific randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Is it safe for topical use?

Yes, Mimosa bark extract is generally considered safe and effective for topical application in wound healing, with mild irritation being a rare side effect.

Are there risks of drug interactions?

Yes, there is a potential for interactions, especially with serotonergic drugs, due to the alkaloid content, which could theoretically lead to serotonin syndrome.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8307580/ – This systematic review of the *Mimosa* genus pharmacology identified various activities including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. The findings are primarily based on in vitro and preclinical evidence, indicating potential but highlighting the need for more clinical trials to validate these effects in humans.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1573034/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 27 RCTs involving 2,334 healthy adults found that RPTW extracts, which include *Mimosa tenuiflora*, significantly improved overall cognition. The study used a high-quality methodology, including the Cochrane risk of bias tool, but noted heterogeneity in the extracts used.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5901822/ – This systematic review analyzed 10 clinical trials on medicinal plants for wound healing, concluding that Mimosa bark extract is effective topically for wound healing and possesses confirmed antimicrobial activity. The review acknowledged that while clinical trials were included, many had small sample sizes and focused solely on topical applications.
https://rsdjournal.org/rsd/article/view/14251 – This narrative review explored the role of *Mimosa tenuiflora* in drug addiction, suggesting that its alkaloids with serotonergic activity might reduce addictive behaviors and have potential neuropsychiatric applications. However, it is a hypothesis-generating review and does not include randomized controlled trials.