فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background and Objectives: Mimosa pudica L., belonging to the Fabaceae family, has been used in the Cuban traditional culture by exposure to smoke of aerial parts combustion and in the smokable form of cigarettes, for recreational or leisure purposes and medical applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and physical dependence of M. pudica by the acute inhalation toxicity study and spontaneous withdrawal test in rats exposed to smoke inhalation of the plant. Methods: Mimosine content was determined by a colorimetric method. The acute inhalation toxicity study was performed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guidelines 433. The addictive potential of the combustion products of the dried aerial parts, was evaluated through a non-precipitated withdrawal test in female Sprague Dawley rats, in both studies using plant doses of 1000 mg/kg. Results: Quantitative analysis of mimosine content in smoke showed levels of 0.62±0.05 µg/mg dried weight. The inhalation toxicity assessment revealed congestion in nasal cavity, focal gliosis in brain and peribronchial pneumonitis. The plant caused signs of physical dependence characterized by the manifestation of hyperactivity (excitability and aggressiveness), piloerection and soft feces, along with decreased body weight and increased rectal temperature during the period of abstinence. Conclusion: Rats exposed to M. pudica showed signs of acute inhalation toxicity similar to smokable substances such as tobacco and marijuana, and evidenced physical dependence comparable to chlordiazepoxide. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with the traditional use of M. pudica in smokable form.