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Inhibition of Growth of Hair by Mimosine

Nature volume 194, pages 694–695 (1962)Cite this article

Abstract

Loss of hair in animals following ingestion of seeds and foliage of Leucaena glauca was first reported in 18971. Sudden loss of hair in native women has been ascribed to consumption of Leucaena glauca seeds2. The toxic principle contained in this plant is a water-soluble amino-acid termed leucenol, and is identical with mimosine obtained from Mimosa pudica3. Mimosine seems to be the preferred name for the compound, both by historical precedent4 and to avoid confusion with leucinol, an alcoholic derivative of leucine. Mimosine is found primarily in the seeds of Leucaena glauca, lesser amounts being present in the foliage and stems5. Its chemical structure is:

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida

    R. G. CROUNSE, J. D. MAXWELL & H. BLANK

Authors
  1. R. G. CROUNSE
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  2. J. D. MAXWELL
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  3. H. BLANK
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CROUNSE, R., MAXWELL, J. & BLANK, H. Inhibition of Growth of Hair by Mimosine. Nature 194, 694–695 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/194694b0

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