Mimosine

Mimosine, a tyrosine analog , can act as an antioxidant by its potent iron-binding activity^[1]. Mimosine is a known chelator of Fe(III)^[2]. Mimosine induces apoptosis through metal ion chelation, mitochondrial activation and ROS production in human leukemic cells^[3]. Anti-cancer, antiinflammation. In Vitro: Mimosine, a known chelator of Fe(III), may facilitate Fe(III) uptake in leucaena by serving as a phytosiderophore^[2].
Mimosine, a bidentate iron-binding ligand, may also play a role in cellular translocation of iron within leucaena^[2].
Mimosine is a toxic nonprotein amino acid that is a major constituent of the tropical legumesLeucaenaandMimosa^[4].
Mimosine (400 μM), through iron chelation, reversibly blocks cell cycle progression in MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cells^[4].
Mimosine (400 μM) reduces DNA synthesis by greater than 90% of control within 4 hr of treatment, and suppresses total proline-directed protein kinase activity to less than 10% of control after 16 hr treatment^[4]. In Vivo: Mimosine (30, and 60 mg/kg) decreases sperm concentration^[5].