Medicinal and Nutritional Importance of Mimosa pudica Linn. in Human Health

Plant metabolites and their crude extracts are sought-after sources of biologically active compounds as well as essential nutrients. To date, very few plant metabolites are in the limelight due to the lack of scientific experimental studies and reports that render the mechanism for a specific activity. Mimosa pudica Linn. is generally stated to as a “touch-me-not” plant, and their crude extract is reported for various bioactive molecules, which are demonstrated to regulate metabolic conditions, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer progression. Oxidative stress and inflammation are a critical component of tumor formation and progression. Most tumors evolve from the site of infection and chronic inflammation. As long as the inflammation persists, there is a higher risk of cancer generation. The tumor microenvironment, well-associated with inflammatory cells, is a crucial component to the malignant process, expansion, and invasion. This chapter will discuss the potential use of M. pudica L. phytocompounds in controlling oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer progression and possible mechanism of action under the tumor microenvironment.