Jurema-Preta (Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poir.): a review of its traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Mimosa tenuiflora (jurema-preta), a hallucinogenic plant used traditionally by indigenous peoples in northeastern Brazil for curing and divination, is reviewed for its uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. The plant induces altered states of consciousness and has therapeutic applications. This review covers the plant's traditional use, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects, providing a comprehensive overview of its ethnopharmacological significance.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Numerous plant species are used throughout the world to achieve the modified states of conscientiousness. Some of them have been used for the therapeutic purposes, such as Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. (family Mimosaceae) known as "jurema-preta", an hallucinogenic plant traditionally used for curing and divination by the Indians of northeastern Brazil. In this review, several aspects of the use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of this plant are considered.Numerosas espécies de plantas são usadas para alterar estados de consciência. Algumas são utilizadas para fins terapêuticos, como Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. (Mimosaceae) conhecida como "jurema-preta", uma planta alucinógena, tradicionalmente utilizada pelos índios no nordeste do Brasil. Nesta revisão, são considerados diversos aspectos do uso, fitoquímica e farmacologia desta planta.