Albizia (Albizia julibrissin): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Albizia julibrissin work for anxiety?

Albizia contains active compounds known as julibrosides (triterpenoid saponins), flavonoids, and lignan glycosides. These constituents are believed to modulate the central nervous system, potentially influencing GABA receptors and serotonergic pathways to produce a calming effect. While the specific mechanism is not fully established in human trials (Evidence Level C), animal studies suggest it provides anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as the 'tree of happiness' and is used to calm the spirit (Shen) without causing the severe cognitive impairment associated with some pharmaceutical sedatives.

Can I take Albizia with antidepressants or sedatives?

Albizia may interact with central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Because the herb possesses sedative properties, combining it with prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids can potentiate drowsiness and increase the risk of excessive sedation. While specific interactions with antidepressants are less well-documented, patients taking SSRIs or MAOIs should exercise caution and consult a physician before combining therapies. It is crucial to seek professional medical advice before adding Albizia to an existing regimen involving psychiatric medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Albizia bark?

The standard adult dosage for Albizia bark is typically 6 to 15 grams of dried bark prepared as a decoction. If using the flowers, a lower dosage of 3 to 5 grams prepared as a tea is common. For liquid extracts, users should follow the manufacturer's specific instructions. It is advisable to start with a lower dose to assess individual tolerance, as higher doses may lead to gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.

Is Albizia safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Albizia is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated. Due to a lack of safety data and potential pharmacological effects on the uterus or developing fetus, it should be avoided by pregnant women. Similarly, there is insufficient reliable information to confirm safety during breastfeeding, so lactating women should also avoid use. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this herb.

What are the main side effects of Albizia?

Albizia is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience side effects. The most commonly reported issues include drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset, particularly at higher dosages. Because the herb can induce sedation, users should exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until they understand how the herb affects them. If severe stomach pain or allergic reactions occur, use should be discontinued immediately and a healthcare professional consulted.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Albizia julibrissin is a medicinal plant used primarily for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia [PMID:39770479, 31057652, 37265761].

Contexte

Albizia julibrissin Durazz, also known as Hehuan or silk tree, is a leguminous plant extensively cultivated in Asia and used in traditional Chinese medicine [PMID:33453433, 36509253, 34940902].

Usages traditionnels

Hehuan bark and flowers have been used for thousands of years to treat anxiety, melancholy, insomnia, bruises, pulmonary abscess, fractures, carbuncle, amnesia, acute conjunctivitis, blurred vision, neonatal tetanus, and stroke [PMID:36509253].

Composés actifs

Bioactive compounds include triterpenoid julibrosides (saponins), flavonoids (such as hyperoside and quercitrin), lignans (including (-)-syringaresinol), and volatile terpenoids [PMID:40869099, 17497875, 39770479, 33453433].

Mécanisme d'action

Certain lignan glycosides and the compound (-)-syringaresinol act as noncompetitive inhibitors of the serotonin transporter (SERT), stabilizing it in an outward-open and inward-closed conformation to decrease Vmax [PMID:39770479, 35337141]. Leaf extracts may inhibit adipogenesis by reducing the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPs while increasing brown adipocyte markers like UCP-1 [PMID:37511251].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CDepression

Empirically used in clinical practice; preclinical studies show antidepressant-like responses in animal models [PMID:37265761].

Preuve DInsomnia/Memory Loss

Ameliorated 3-hour memory loss induced by sleep deprivation in a Drosophila model [PMID:31057652].

Preuve DObesity

Leaf extracts (AJLE) induced browning of 3T3L1 white adipocytes and inhibited adipogenesis in vitro [PMID:37511251].

Preuve DCancer

Various julibrosides (triterpenoid saponins) demonstrated cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines including HeLa, HepG2, and A549 in vitro [PMID:9051910, 28764915, 33770687, 16504508].

Preuve CBurn Wounds

Clinical trials indicated herbal preparations containing A. julibrissin extracts may shorten healing time and reduce inflammation compared to conventional treatments [PMID:36839954].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell line studies (cytotoxicity, adipogenesis) and animal models (depression, insomnia), with limited review-level mentions of clinical application for burns and depression.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40869099 (2025) — Pharmacological Spectrum of Substances Derived from Albizia julibrissin Durazz. · International journal of molecular sciences
2.PMID: 39770479 (2024) — (-)-Syringaresinol Exerts an Antidepressant-like Activity in Mice by Noncompetitive Inhibition of the Serotonin Transporter. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 37265761 (2023) — Molecular basis and mechanism of action of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment and clinical application of its formulae. · Chinese herbal medicines
4.PMID: 33453433 (2021) — Five TPSs are responsible for volatile terpenoid biosynthesis in Albizia julibrissin. · Journal of plant physiology
5.PMID: 34940902 (2021) — Comprehensive analysis of chloroplast genome of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (Leguminosae sp.).

Albizia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Albizia

He Huan Hua TCM

Duoc Lieu Trinh Nu

Passiflora Quadrangularis

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Albizia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Albizia

Plantes associées

He Huan Hua TCM

Duoc Lieu Trinh Nu

Passiflora Quadrangularis

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales