Background
- Albizia (Albizia julibrissin), also called mimosa or silk tree, is an herb that is native to southern and eastern Asia, from Iran to China and Korea. It is an ornamental tree that produces fine red filamentous flowers during the summer. The bark is harvested in the spring or late summer and is dried for later use.
- It has been suggested that Albizia may useful for anxiety and depression. The flower heads of Albizia have been used traditionally as a carminative (to reduce gas from the intestines), digestive aid, sedative, and tonic. They have also been used to treat insomnia, irritability, breathlessness, and poor memory. The stem bark has also been used as a pain reliever, anthelmintic (to expel parasitic worms), diuretic (to increase the rate of urination), oxytocic (to facilitate childbirth), stimulant, and to treat boils and carbuncles (abscesses). When applied to the skin, the stem bark has been used to promote wound healing and reduce swelling. A gummy extract from the plant has been used as a plaster for abscesses and boils and as a retentive for fractures and sprains.
- There is a lack of human research supporting the use of Albizia for any condition.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Amornchat, C, Kraivaphan, P, Dhanabhumi, C, et al. Effect of Cha-em Thai mouthwash on salivary levels of mutans streptococci and total IgA. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2006;37(3):528-531.
View Abstract - Barua CC, Gupta PP, Patnaik GK, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of Albizia lebbeck. Pharmaceutical Biology (Netherlands) 2000;38:161-166.
- Geyid, A, Abebe, D, Debella, A et al. Screening of some medicinal plants of Ethiopia for their anti-microbial properties and chemical profiles. J Ethnopharmacol 3-21-2005;97(3):421-427.
View Abstract - Gupta, R S, Chaudhary, R, Yadav, R et al. Effect of Saponins of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark on the reproductive system of male albino rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-4-2005;96(1-2):31-36.
View Abstract - Jung, M J, Chung, H Y, Kang, S S, et al. Antioxidant activity from the stem bark of Albizzia julibrissin. Arch Pharm Res. 2003;26(6):458-462.
View Abstract - Kang, T H, Jeong, S J, Kim, N Y, et al. Sedative activity of two flavonol glycosides isolated from the flowers of Albizzia julibrissin Durazz. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;71(1-2):321-323.
View Abstract - Kasture, V S, Chopde, C T, and Deshmukh, V. K. Anticonvulsive activity of Albizzia lebbeck, Hibiscus rosa sinesis and Butea monosperma in experimental animals. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;71(1-2):65-75.
View Abstract - Moshi MJ, Mbwambo ZH. Experience of Tanzanian traditional healers in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Pharmaceutical Biology 2002;40:552-560
- Tomioka, K, Kumagai, S, Kameda, M, et al. A case of occupational asthma induced by falcata wood (Albizia falcataria). J Occup Health 2006;48(5):392-395.
View Abstract