Research on Plant-based Management of Haemorrhoids: Evidence from Extracts of Mimosa pudica L

Abstract

Haemorrhoids, characterised by inflamed and swollen anorectal veins, represent a significant global health burden, with profound impacts in regions with limited healthcare access, such as Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, the prevalence of haemorrhoids is estimated at 4.4–38.9%, with higher rates in developed nations due to sedentary lifestyles and low-fibre diets. Haemorrhoids, a prevalent condition affecting 10–25% of Nigerians and 5–20% of Africans, pose significant healthcare challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings, necessitating sustainable solutions aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. This study evaluates the anti-haemorrhoid potential of methanol extract and fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol) of Mimosa pudica L., a plant widely used in African traditional medicine. Whole plants were extracted via cold maceration, solvent-partitioned, and phytochemically screened. Anti-haemorrhoid activity was assessed in Wistar rats using a croton oil-induced model, with treatments of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extracts/fractions or 500 mg/kg Daflon administered orally for five days. The ethyl acetate fraction at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the recto-anal coefficient (p < 0.05), suggesting efficacy comparable to conventional treatments. These findings validate Mimosa pudica’s traditional use and its potential as an affordable, plant-based therapy for haemorrhoid management in Nigeria and beyond, though dose optimisation and clinical validation are critical for safe application. However, dose-dependent adverse effects underscore the need for further research into safety, chemical profiling, and clinical validation to address the high haemorrhoid burden effectively.