Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.): A Comprehensive Reference
1. Identity and Botanical Classification
1.1 Nomenclature
The accepted botanical name is Albizia julibrissin Durazz. Its INCI (cosmetic ingredient) designation is Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract; common names include Persian silk tree, Constantinople acacia, Constantinople mimosa, and Night Sleeper. Additional synonyms recorded in pharmacopeial and pharmaceutical literature include Mimosa julibrissin and Acacia julibrissin. A wide variety of vernacular names exist across cultures, among them He Huan Pi, He Huan Hua (Chinese), Jagwinamu (Korean), Nemu No Ki (Japanese), Pink Siris, Schlafbaum (German), and Silk Tree.
1.2 Taxonomy and Botanical Description
The plant belongs to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae). Plants of the subfamily Mimosoideae, which includes Albizia, are characterized by flowers with radial symmetry, small corollas, and prominent stamens; this subfamily also contains well-known genera such as Acacia (wattle), Samanea (monkey pod), and Calliandra (powder puff). The Albizia genus contains approximately 150 species, mostly trees and shrubs native to the tropical and subtropical climates of Asia and Africa.
Albizia julibrissin Durazz., commonly referred to as the Persian silk tree, is a deciduous plant with a wide distribution in East Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and North America. It is native to warm regions of Asia, mainly Iran, Afghanistan, China, and Korea. Today, it is present on all continents, particularly in the United States.
A. julibrissin is a plant with high trees reaching up to 6 meters, a short trunk, a broad crown, and pink flowers. Species of Albizia generally feature bipinnate leaves with numerous pairs of leaflets, along with distinct petiolar glands. The bark is thin, light brown, and slightly rough with vertical lines; it is harvested in summer and autumn, left to sun-dry, then sliced into small pieces.
1.3 Plant Parts Used
The flowers and stem bark are used to make medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the bark and flowers of Albizia julibrissin are known respectively as He Huan Pi ("collective happiness bark") and He Huan Hua ("collective happiness flower"). The dry stem bark, Cortex Albiziae (Chinese name "He Huan Pi"), has been used for the treatment of insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine and as a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent in local medicine.
1.4 Common Forms and Preparations
Traditionally, the bark is soaked in water for at least 20–30 minutes, then decocted in non-metallic pots with water with one or more other herbs on low to moderate heat for around 20–30 minutes. Nowadays, it is also prepared in powder and tincture form. The herb is available from commercial manufacturers; the most common dosage forms are liquids and capsules. Manufacturers suggest 3 to 6 mL of 1:2 mimosa liquid extract daily, or 1 capsule 3 times daily with meals; however, capsule formulations are proprietary herbal blends and are available in several strengths. Powders, teas, and tinctures are also available.
2. Traditional and Historical Use
2.1 Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Materia Medica in the 700s, Albizia julibrissin was highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, albizia is named he huan pi, which translates as "collective happiness bark," reflecting its importance as a medicine to support emotional disharmonies; its combination of sweet and neutral properties is believed to nourish the heart and calm the shen (spirit/mind).
Albizia belongs to the "herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the spirit" category in TCM, where it is an integral herb for treating anxiety, depression, irritability, poor memory, and insomnia derived from pent-up emotions. While featured in few classical TCM formulas, it is frequently added to introduce or enhance this function and has grown in popularity in Western herbalism.
The dried stem bark of A. julibrissin has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat insomnia, melancholia, diuresis, asthenia, ascariasis, depression, anxiety, and confusion. In their primary function of treating psycho-emotional disharmonies, he huan pi (bark) is believed to "anchor" the shen, while he huan hua (flowers) is uplifting. The bark is also used for its analgesic properties in cases of pain and swelling from trauma, including fractures. This ability to reduce pain and swelling extends to use in abscesses and boils, and it is particularly indicated for lung abscesses and topical application to suppurative sores.
In China, the tree is often planted near homes and in temples to bring luck and harmony. Historically, albizia has been used as a remedy to alleviate stress, sadness, and anxiety, earning it the nickname "the happiness herb." Its bark is often prescribed to soothe emotional disturbances, promote restful sleep, and harmonize the spirit.
2.2 Iranian and Persian Traditional Medicine
Albizia julibrissin was described as an appropriate healing agent in Iranian traditional medicine. In Persian traditional practice, this plant is used for inflammation and insomnia treatment. The tree's range includes Iran and Afghanistan, consistent with its documented use in Persian materia medica.
2.3 Broader Regional Use
Traditionally, a decoction of dried A. julibrissin stem bark has been used extensively in Asian cultures as a folk remedy to treat insomnia, lethargy, confusion, and diuresis. In local traditional medicine, it has been used for a diverse range of conditions, including depression, wounds, fevers, abscesses, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, coughs, malaria, and parasitic infections.
The flowers are frequently brewed into teas to ease tension and encourage relaxation, while the bark is commonly used in decoctions aimed at calming the mind and supporting emotional resilience. In TCM, albizia is often paired with other botanicals such as Ziziphus jujuba (jujube), Polygala tenuifolia, and Rehmannia; these synergistic blends are designed to enhance its calming and mood-balancing effects.
Originating from Asia, Albizia julibrissin was imported to Europe in the 18th century by an Italian naturalist, Filippo degli Albizzi, who was captivated by the tree's beauty following his expedition to Constantinople; the tree's generic name "Albizia" was given in his honor. The propagation seeds of A. julibrissin were delivered from Constantinople to Tuscany, Florence (Italy) by Filippo degli Albizzi in 1749.
3. Phytochemistry: Key Constituents and Active Compounds
3.1 Overview
Recent pharmacological investigations have revealed that A. julibrissin is an abundant source of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been reported to have a wide range of physiological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, antifertility, antiemetic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and immunomodulatory activities.
3.2 Triterpenoid Saponins (Julibrosides)
Triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and lignans are particularly noteworthy constituents, each contributing distinct therapeutic effects. Julibrosides, a class of triterpenoid saponins, and various flavonoids and lignans isolated from the plant have demonstrated substantial bioactivity in studies.
Triterpenoids comprise a prominent class of bioactive constituents in A. julibrissin and have been established to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects, as well as cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Triterpenoid saponins are composed of a triterpene aglycone (sapogenin) featuring a backbone of 30 carbon atoms arranged in a four- or five-ring structure, linked to one or more sugar moieties via glycosidic bonds.
In the case of julibrosides, which are distinctive triterpenoid saponins derived from Albizia julibrissin, the aglycone component is oleanane, and the attached sugars may vary; these commonly include glucose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose, fucose, and xylose. The structural diversity resulting from variations in the triterpene skeleton, types and numbers of sugars, and glycosidic linkage patterns contributes to their extensive range of pharmacological applications.
The genus Albizia has been found to contain several bioactive triterpenoid saponins, including julibroside J29, julibroside J30, and julibroside J31, novel macrocyclic alkaloids (budmunchiamines A, B, and C), and two flavonol glycosides (quercitrin and isoquercitrin). The total saponins from A. julibrissin (TSAJ), whose major constituents include julibroside J, julibroside A, julibroside B1, julibroside C1, julibroside I, julibroside II, and julibroside III, have been shown to possess anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities.
3.3 Flavonoids
Flavonoids are among the main bioactive constituents of A. julibrissin and are characterized by diverse biological activities, having anti-inflammatory, antifertility, antiproliferative, and sedative properties. The leaves of A. julibrissin contain an unidentified quercetin derivative, along with hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) and quercitrin (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside). The leaves of A. julibrissin contain a total flavonoid content of 35.14 mg/g.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are attributed to the presence of flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Further flavonoids identified include 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavone, along with other phytochemical classes such as prosapogenins, hehuanoside A, julibrotriterpenoidal lactone A, machaeric acid lactone, and alpha-spinasterol glucoside.
3.4 Lignans
A substantial number of lignans have been isolated from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz., including furofuran-type, furan-type, dibenzylbutane-type, bibenztetrahydronaphthalene-type lignans, neolignans, and phenolic derivatives. One new lignan, julibrissinoside II, along with thirteen known compounds, has been isolated from the stem bark.
3.5 Flower Volatile Constituents
In terms of chemical composition, 25 distinct aromatic compounds have been identified in the flowers of A. julibrissin. Prominent among these are julibroside, trans-linalool oxide, linalool, isopentanol, β-ocimene, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. Cyanidin-3-glucoside is also present.
3.6 Bark-Specific Constituents
Triterpenoid saponins, including julibrosides J(29), J(30), and J(31), as well as two phenolic glycosides, albibrissinosides A and B, have been extracted from the bark. Additionally, flavonoid glycosides such as quercitrin and isoquercitrin have been identified.
4. Established Mechanisms of Action
4.1 Serotonergic and Monoaminergic Pathways
Certain components isolated from A. julibrissin have been demonstrated to have an influence on serotonin and GABAA receptors within the brain, thereby producing effects analogous to those observed with the administration of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications.
Two lignan glycosides isolated from A. julibrissin inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT) noncompetitively by decreasing Vmax with little change in Km for its fluorescence substrate. Treatment with these lignan glycosides did not alter total and cell surface expression levels of the transporter protein. The two compounds decreased the accessibility of a cysteine residue placed in the extracellular substrate permeation pathway by inducing a conformational shift toward an outward-closed state of SERT. These results are consistent with molecular docking for the association of the lignan glycosides to the allosteric site in SERT.
A. julibrissin has been demonstrated to produce multiple antidepressant effects on various divergent pathological systems by modulating monoaminergic neurotransmission, the HPA axis, BDNF signaling cascade, or neuroimmune system.
4.2 GABAergic Mechanisms
An antagonism study using receptor antagonists and radioligands demonstrated that the 5-HT1A and GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor systems mediate the effects of julibroside C1, a saponin-containing compound isolated from the stem bark of A. julibrissin. Julibroside C1 was shown to induce alterations in 5-HT1A and GABAA receptors in the mouse brain.
A total saponin extract of A. julibrissin (TA) at 20 mg/kg induced anxiolytic-like effects and significantly increased the concentrations of serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and dopamine (DA). These data demonstrated that TA exerts sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic effects via binding to the GABAA receptor and activating the monoaminergic system.
4.3 BDNF and cAMP-CREB Signaling
An aqueous extract of A. julibrissin (6 g/kg, administered orally for 21 days) has been demonstrated to produce antidepressant-like effects on the cAMP-CREB signaling cascade in stressed rat models, and subsequently to attenuate behavioral abnormalities.
Total flavonoids isolated from Albiziae Flos (25 mg/kg, administered orally for 21 days) have been shown to increase the expression levels of BDNF and its receptor, TrkB, in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, suggesting that the flavonoids possess antidepressant-like activity specifically through regulating BDNF signaling in stressed rat models.
4.4 Anti-angiogenic and Anticancer Mechanisms
In modern pharmacology, A. julibrissin exhibits marked inhibitory activity against certain cancer cell lines in vitro, suggesting that it may be used as an anti-tumor agent. Crude extract of A. julibrissin has been shown to exhibit anti-angiogenic effects on endothelial cells, and further studies focused on the anti-angiogenic effects revealed that the active ingredients are the saponins.
Julibroside J8 has been reported to show varying degrees of antiproliferative activity in six cancer cell lines (BGC-823, Bel-7402, HeLa, PC-3MIE8, MDA-MB-435, and LH-60) in vitro, and findings of some studies have provided evidence indicating that julibroside derivatives may exhibit anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis or regulating the cell cycle.
4.5 Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms
Saponin compounds have been proved to have anti-inflammatory activities in pain relieving, edema, and skin inflammation induced by tissue injuries. The main wound-healing effect of A. julibrissin is possibly attributed to saponin compounds, which may elevate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammatory cytokines via exciting fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages to migrate to wound sites to rebuild the matrix and new tissue.
4.6 Lignan-Mediated Effects on Lipid Metabolism
Isolated compounds from the stem bark were tested for SREBP-1c inhibitory activity using mouse hepatocyte AML12 cell lines. Among them, linoleic acid and 3-O-methylfisetin showed significant SREBP-1c inhibitory activity at a concentration of 100 µM. SREBP-1c is a key transcription factor in fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, and its inhibition is relevant to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) research.
4.7 Serotonin 5-HT1A and Quercitrin
A previous study showed that total flavones contained in Albizia julibrissin exerted anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. Quercitrin is the main compound of these total flavones. Results suggest that quercitrin exerts anxiolytic-like effects in animal models of anxiety and on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites, and these effects appeared to be mediated by 5-HT1A receptors.
5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
5.1 Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies across various cell lines and animal models have demonstrated notable pharmacological attributes including antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Notably, A. julibrissin has been shown to exert significant antianxiety and antidepressant effects by modulating serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, as well as reducing stress-related hormonal imbalances.
In one study, the antidepressant effects of A. julibrissin bark were demonstrated by a decrease in immobility time during the forced swim test, a standard method for assessing antidepressant efficacy in rodents.
A 2023 narrative review (published in a peer-reviewed journal) conclusively discussed the mechanism of action of A. julibrissin and A. julibrissin formulae by reviewing recent preclinical and clinical studies conducted using depressive animal models and depressive patients. Several representative bioactive constituents and formulae were highlighted as examples, and their mechanisms of action were discussed. In addition, some representative A. julibrissin formulae shown to be compatible with conventional antidepressants in clinical practice were also reviewed.
A. julibrissin has been demonstrated to ameliorate memory impairment induced by short-term insomnia or sleep deprivation in animal models. A water-soluble extract of A. julibrissin has also been demonstrated to augment the expression of 5-HT1A receptors on serotonergic neurons within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. A. julibrissin has anxiolytic effects mediated via the activation of GABAA receptors and the modulation of the HPA axis.
Evidence strength: The anxiolytic and antidepressant evidence base currently consists predominantly of preclinical animal studies (in vivo rodent models) and in vitro mechanistic investigations. Despite its numerous reported benefits, a comprehensive systematic review synthesizing recent advancements in the pharmacological and phytochemical research on A. julibrissin is lacking. Controlled clinical trials in humans remain very limited.
5.2 Sleep and Insomnia
The dried stem bark of A. julibrissin has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat insomnia. In one animal study examining the sedative effects of a methanol fresh-flower extract, two isolated compounds from Albizia—quercitrin and isoquercitrin (flavonol glycosides)—were both found to increase pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in a dose-dependent manner in mice.
Modern pharmacological studies have indicated that crude extracts and pure compounds of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark have multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-insomnia and sedative activities.
Evidence strength: Evidence for sleep benefit is animal/preclinical only. No robust randomized controlled trials in humans have been identified in the peer-reviewed literature for this indication.
5.3 Wound Healing and Burn Treatment
A prospective study was designed to compare the wound healing effects of A. julibrissin gel (AG) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD). This single-blind clinical trial was performed on 40 patients with second and third-degree burns: 20 patients treated with SSD and 20 others received A. julibrissin. The percentage of wound healing was evaluated via pain, irritation, edema, itching, erythema, purulent discharges, and skin discoloration symptoms. The severity of pain (p=0.03), inflammation (p=0.02), and purulent secretions (p=0.03) were significantly relieved in the A. julibrissin group.
The healing time significantly reduced in second-degree burns (p=0.03) and third-degree burns (p=0.04) in the A. julibrissin group. No significant adverse drug reactions were detected with A. julibrissin.
Evidence strength: One small single-blind clinical trial (40 patients) suggests benefit in burn wound healing versus silver sulfadiazine. While statistically significant, the study's small sample size, single-blind design, and lack of multi-center replication mean the evidence is preliminary and requires confirmation.
5.4 Anticancer / Antitumor Activity
Antitumor activity is one of the key pharmacological effects of Albizia species. To date, 31 saponins from this genus have been studied for their cytotoxic effects in vitro against various cancer cell lines.
In vitro studies document anticancer activity of the various julibrosides against numerous cancer cell lines. Julibroside J8, a major triterpenoid isolated from A. julibrissin, has been reported to show varying degrees of antiproliferative activity in six cancer cell lines (BGC-823, Bel-7402, HeLa, PC-3MIE8, MDA-MB-435, and LH-60) in vitro.
Evidence strength: All anticancer evidence to date is exclusively in vitro (cell culture). No clinical studies in humans have been conducted. This evidence cannot be used to infer clinical efficacy and should be regarded as hypothesis-generating only.
5.5 Anti-obesity Effects
Albizia julibrissin, native to Japan, China, and Korea, has been used to treat insomnia, amnesia, sore throat, and contusions. Flavonol and flavonoid glycosides from A. julibrissin have been reported to exert sedative and neuroprotective activity. Saponins from the stem bark showed anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity. The biological activity of A. julibrissin leaf extract (AJLE) on adipocytes was investigated; studies were performed to investigate whether AJLE exerted modulatory effects on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and the browning process.
Evidence strength: Anti-obesity effects have been investigated in preclinical cell culture and animal models only. No human clinical trial data are available.
5.6 Antidiabetic and Metabolic Effects
Despite hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects being consistent with the traditional use of Albizia species, animal studies typically administered doses between 100 and 600 mg/kg for 21 to 28 days. Such high doses and prolonged treatments call for further investigation. Moreover, only crude extracts have been evaluated for their hypoglycemic effects, and the mechanisms underlying these actions have not yet been fully elucidated.
Compounds extracted from A. julibrissin bark (also known as Albiziae cortex extract) significantly reversed free fatty acid-induced lipogenesis in hepatocytes in vitro (p<0.05). High glucose-induced oxidative stress was also mitigated by 3 of the 5 compounds extracted.
Evidence strength: Preliminary animal and in vitro evidence only. No clinical trials in humans.
5.7 Immunomodulatory and Vaccine Adjuvant Activity
Certain saponins have been demonstrated to have potential utility in vaccine development, exhibiting both cytotoxic activity and immune-adjuvant effects.
In animal models, antigen-specific antibody titers to inactivated H9N2 avian influenza vaccine formed significantly faster and higher with the use of a purified mimosa saponin fraction compared to the commercial oil adjuvant. Significant responses were documented at 7, 10, and 14 days after a single vaccination dose (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, the addition of the purified mimosa saponin fraction as a vaccine adjuvant led to significant increases in antigen-specific antibody titers to the Newcastle disease virus-based recombinant influenza vaccine (p<0.01).
Although the immunological adjuvant properties of A. julibrissin do not align with its traditional uses, a purified saponin adjuvant fraction (AJSAF) is currently being developed as a novel vaccine adjuvant.
Evidence strength: Vaccine adjuvant data are from animal models. No human immunological trials reported in this context.
5.8 Anti-inflammatory Effects
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of A. julibrissin are attributed to the presence of flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Previous pharmacological studies of A. julibrissin revealed sedative, antidepressant, antitumor, anti-infertility, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. The bark extract has been applied to bruises, ulcers, abscesses, burns, and fractures, and has been shown to exhibit cytotoxic activity.
Evidence strength: Mostly preclinical (in vitro and animal). The burn wound clinical trial provides partial clinical support for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
5.9 Neuroprotection
Scientific studies have confirmed potent antianxiety, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, highlighting the plant's role in treating mood disorders, stress, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Flavonol and flavonoid glycosides from A. julibrissin have been reported to exert sedative and neuroprotective activity.
Evidence strength: Neuroprotective effects are supported by preclinical in vitro and animal studies. No direct human clinical evidence is available.
6. Body Systems and Health Areas
Based on the documented research, Albizia julibrissin is associated with the following body systems and health areas:
- Central Nervous System: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood modulation, neuroprotection, and memory impairment related to sleep deprivation—via serotonergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic mechanisms.
- Skin and Wound Healing: Topical use for burns, ulcers, abscesses, bruises, and suppurative sores; clinical trial evidence for burn wound healing.
- Oncology (Preclinical): Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines; anti-angiogenic effects via saponin constituents.
- Metabolic: Preliminary evidence for hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective (lipogenesis inhibition) effects.
- Immune System: Immunomodulatory activity; potential vaccine adjuvant use in animal models.
- Musculoskeletal: Traditional use for pain and swelling from trauma, fractures, and degenerative joint conditions—attributed to anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of saponins.
- Respiratory: Traditional use for lung abscesses, coughs.
7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies
The herb is available commercially; the most common dosage forms are liquids and capsules. Manufacturers suggest 3 to 6 mL of 1:2 mimosa liquid extract daily or 1 capsule 3 times daily with meals. Capsule formulations are proprietary herbal blends available in several strengths. Powders, teas, and tinctures are also available.
The following dosages appear in peer-reviewed preclinical (animal) studies:
- An aqueous extract of A. julibrissin at 6 g/kg administered orally for 21 days produced antidepressant-like effects on the cAMP-CREB signaling cascade in stressed rat models.
- Total flavonoids isolated from Albiziae Flos at 25 mg/kg administered orally for 21 days increased BDNF and TrkB expression in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in stressed rats.
- A total saponin extract (TA) at 20 mg/kg induced anxiolytic-like effects and significantly increased concentrations of serotonin, 5-HIAA, and dopamine in rodents.
- Animal studies examining antidiabetic/hypoglycemic effects typically administered doses between 100 and 600 mg/kg for 21 to 28 days.
No established human clinical dose has been validated in rigorous controlled trials. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Albizia julibrissin.
8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions
8.1 General Safety Profile
Albizia julibrissin is used for anxiety, cancer, insomnia, skin infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. When taken by mouth, there is not enough reliable information to know if Albizia julibrissin is safe or what the side effects might be.
Toxicity has not been paid enough attention, and there is no in-depth toxicological study on the Albizia species. It is therefore particularly important to evaluate the acute and long-term toxicities of the extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds from the Albizia species in detail in various animal models to establish a safety profile before future clinical studies.
8.2 Sedation
Albizia julibrissin might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking Albizia julibrissin along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some sedative medications that may interact include pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
In one animal study, the flavonol glycosides quercitrin and isoquercitrin from Albizia were both found to increase pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in a dose-dependent manner in mice. This indicates a possible herb-drug interaction that patients taking sedatives should be made aware of.
8.3 Surgical and Anesthetic Considerations
Albizia julibrissin might affect the central nervous system. It might increase the effects of anesthesia and other medications on the brain during and after surgery. Patients are advised to stop taking Albizia julibrissin at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
8.4 Pregnancy and Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Traditional herbal practice considers albizia generally safe; however, caution should be taken when pregnant as it is believed to invigorate blood. There is not enough reliable information to know if Albizia julibrissin is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding.
8.5 Seed Pod Toxicity
Seed pods of A. julibrissin are described as toxic. This is distinct from the medicinal parts (bark and flowers), which have been used historically with an apparent tolerability profile.
8.6 Known Allergies and Hypersensitivity
Individuals should avoid use with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any mimosa constituents.
8.7 Topical Safety
The aqueous extract of Albizia julibrissin is described as a non-irritating and non-allergenic cosmetic ingredient. It does not present any specific contraindications and is reported to be well tolerated by all skin types. These characterizations relate specifically to the cosmetic extract in current use, and do not necessarily extend to oral medicinal preparations.
References
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