TEPEZCOHUITE (Mimosa tenuiflora (L) Willd), THE SKIN TREE

Abstract

Tepezcohuite (Mimosa tenuiflora) is a shrub species located abundantly in the central region of Chiapas and the Tehuantepec Isthmus, Oaxaca, México; it is widely used in browsing for sheep and goats, and it is attributed with qualities for skin healing, after sunburns, accidental exposure to fire, as well as for stomach ulcers and use in cosmetics. An approach is presented regarding its uses and myths, which are quite popular in Mexico’s traditional medicine, primarily by the use of powders to heal burns; however, metabolites have been identified in its extracts that cause harmful secondary effects, which is why it is suggested that its use in any of its presentations should be prescribed or advised by a health professional to avoid undesirable effects.