The 'touch-me-not' name is actually applied to several different plants, leading to confusion regarding edibility. The most common varieties are Mimosa pudica, a sensitive, spiny, tropical perennial, and Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed), a North American annual with different properties. Understanding which plant is being discussed is critical for determining its safety.
The Verdict on Mimosa Pudica
For Mimosa pudica, internal consumption is strongly advised against. This plant contains a toxic alkaloid called mimosine, which can cause significant harm if ingested in large doses. Animal studies have shown negative effects from mimosine, including hair loss in livestock, and damage to the liver and kidneys when administered repeatedly in high concentrations. While some traditional medicine practices use parts of Mimosa pudica for various remedies, this is typically done under expert guidance, and toxicity concerns persist, particularly with prolonged use or high dosages.
Documented Toxicity in Mimosa pudica
- Mimosine: This principal toxicant inhibits DNA replication, especially affecting rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles. This is why livestock grazing on Mimosa pudica can experience hair loss.
- Organ Damage: Research on rodents exposed to repeated doses of M. pudica extract revealed mild to moderate inflammatory changes and necrosis in organs like the liver and kidneys. These effects warn against its traditional use without proper medical guidance.
- Limited Human Data: While large quantities could cause gastrointestinal upset in humans, specific poisoning features are not well-documented. However, this absence of data does not make it safe, and caution is paramount.
The Case of Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
In contrast to Mimosa pudica, the North American plant known as Jewelweed or Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis) has different properties, and some parts are considered edible with caution.
Edible and Medicinal Uses of Jewelweed
- Seeds: The seeds of Jewelweed are said to have a nutty, walnut-like flavor and are considered edible when collected. They are notoriously hard to gather in large quantities due to their explosive seed pods.
- Shoots: The young shoots of Jewelweed can be prepared as a potherb, but require careful preparation. It is recommended to boil them in at least two changes of water to remove any bitter taste and calcium oxalate crystals. Excessive consumption is not recommended.
- Medicinal Poultice: The most common use for Jewelweed is medicinal, particularly for its soothing effects on skin irritations. Crushed stems are applied topically to relieve the pain and itching from poison ivy, poison sumac, and stinging nettle. The juice from the stem is a popular remedy for bug bites.
Comparison of Touch-Me-Not Varieties
| Feature | Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant) | Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Names | Sensitive Plant, Shame Plant, Humble Plant | Spotted Touch-Me-Not, Jewelweed |
| Native Region | South and Central America | North America |
| Toxicity | Contains mimosine, a toxic alkaloid. Harmful if ingested, especially in large doses or long term. | Contains calcium oxalate crystals in shoots (requiring cooking). Not a significant internal toxicant. |
| Edible Parts | None for human consumption. Some traditional uses for seeds but not recommended due to toxicity. | Seeds and cooked young shoots can be consumed in moderation. |
| Medicinal Use | Traditional topical uses for skin issues and systemic uses, but with documented toxicity risks. | Widely used topically for skin irritations like poison ivy and bug bites. |
| Leaf Reaction | Folds inwards and droops significantly when touched. | Seed pods explode when touched, hence the 'touch-me-not' name. |
Potential Health Benefits (Mainly from Traditional Use)
While we advise against eating Mimosa pudica due to its toxicity, it is important to acknowledge its place in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant have been used for a range of ailments, though these claims lack sufficient scientific backing and are often contradicted by toxicity studies. Traditional applications include:
- Wound Healing: Crushed leaves were applied topically to help heal wounds and cuts.
- Anti-inflammatory: Used traditionally for reducing inflammation, such as with arthritis.
- Antimicrobial: Showed potential antibacterial and antifungal properties in some studies.
- Digestive Issues: Historically used for conditions like diarrhea and dysentery.
It is crucial to stress that these traditional applications do not automatically make the plant safe for casual consumption. The presence of toxic compounds like mimosine demands a high degree of caution.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "Can you eat touch-me-not plant?" has two distinct answers depending on the species. You should not eat Mimosa pudica due to the presence of mimosine, a known toxic compound. While it has been historically used for medicinal purposes, the risk of organ damage and other toxic effects from internal use is a serious concern. However, the North American Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), also called a 'touch-me-not' for its explosive seed pods, offers edible seeds and cooked young shoots, alongside a well-documented topical use for skin irritations. Always be certain of the species you have correctly identified, and when in doubt, avoid consuming wild plants. For medicinal use of any plant, especially those with known toxic components, consult a healthcare professional. For more details on the toxic components of Mimosa pudica, research published on scientific databases like PubMed can provide further insight.
Key Takeaways
- Species Identification is Crucial: The edibility of "touch-me-not" depends on whether you have the tropical Mimosa pudica or the North American Impatiens capensis.
- Do Not Eat Mimosa pudica: This species contains the toxic alkaloid mimosine, which can cause significant harm if ingested.
- Mimosine's Toxicity: Mimosine can lead to hair loss, as seen in livestock, and has caused organ damage in animal studies.
- Topical vs. Internal Use: While Mimosa pudica has traditional medicinal uses, these are often topical, and internal use is risky due to toxicity.
- Impatiens capensis is Partially Edible: The seeds and properly cooked young shoots of this species can be eaten in moderation.
- Consult Experts: Never consume a plant unless you are 100% certain of its identity and safety, consulting with a medical professional before internal use is always the safest path.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Mimosa pudica and Jewelweed? A: Mimosa pudica is a sensitive plant native to tropical regions with leaves that fold upon touch, containing the toxic compound mimosine. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a North American plant whose seed pods explosively release seeds, and some parts are edible with proper preparation.
Q: Can you get sick from touching a Mimosa pudica plant? A: No, the toxicity of Mimosa pudica is a concern for internal consumption, not for skin contact. However, the plant does have thorns, so be cautious when handling it.
Q: Is it safe for pets to chew on Mimosa pudica? A: No, Mimosa pudica is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities and can cause gastrointestinal upset. It is best to keep it out of their reach.
Q: Are there any safe ways to use the Mimosa pudica plant? A: Some external, traditional uses exist, like applying crushed leaves to wounds. However, even these should be approached with caution due to the lack of scientific validation and documented risks.
Q: Why do some people say the touch-me-not plant is edible? A: Confusion often arises because the common name "touch-me-not" can refer to more than one species. The edible reports likely refer to Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), not the toxic Mimosa pudica.
Q: What happens if you ingest mimosine? A: Mimosine toxicity has been documented in animal studies, causing effects like hair loss, weight decrease, and liver and kidney damage in high doses. Human effects may include gastrointestinal upset.
Q: Is it safe to make tea from the leaves of Mimosa pudica? A: No, it is not recommended to make tea from Mimosa pudica leaves for internal consumption. The plant contains toxic compounds that can be harmful when ingested, even in smaller amounts over time.
