Albizia Extract
Also known as: Albizia lebbeck, Albizia anthelmintica, Albizia julibrissin, Siris tree, Anthelmintic Albizia, Mimosa tree
Overview
Albizia extracts are derived from various species of the Albizia genus, a group of trees traditionally used in folk medicine across different cultures. These extracts are known for their potential anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective properties. The therapeutic effects are attributed to a rich profile of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. While traditional use is widespread, the scientific understanding of Albizia extracts is still developing. Current research primarily consists of in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of human studies, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. Large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses are largely absent, highlighting the need for further robust clinical investigation to fully validate its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Albizia extracts show promising, evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical studies. Albizia lebbeck bark extract demonstrates significant antidiabetic potential by inhibiting α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 305.52 µg/mL) and moderately inhibiting DPP-4 (42.87% at 100 µg/mL), suggesting it could help manage postprandial glucose spikes in type 2 diabetes. Albizia anthelmintica leaf extract has shown strong gastroprotective effects, preventing gastric ulcers in rats by up to 92.3% through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, with efficacy comparable to famotidine. Albizia julibrissin flower extract and its compound quercitrin exhibit hepatoprotective properties, alleviating methamphetamine-induced liver toxicity by modulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathways and enhancing antioxidant activity. Furthermore, Albizia julibrissin extracts have demonstrated neuroimmune modulation and antidepressant-like effects in stressed rats by reducing proinflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6) and nitric oxide. While these findings are compelling, it is crucial to note that most of these benefits have been observed in animal models or in vitro studies, and human clinical data are sparse, limiting the strength of evidence for human application.
How it works
Albizia extracts exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. For antidiabetic action, they inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes like α-glucosidase and DPP-4, reducing glucose absorption. Their potent antioxidant activity, attributed to high phenolic content, helps scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved by downregulating key inflammatory mediators such as NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS, while also modulating antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. In neuroprotection and antidepressant effects, Albizia modulates neuroimmune signaling pathways and interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hepatoprotective actions involve the modulation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathways.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data and adverse event reporting from randomized controlled trials for Albizia extracts are currently lacking in the reviewed literature. While animal studies have not reported structural gastric mucosa damage at effective doses, and traditional use suggests general tolerability, formal toxicology and drug interaction studies in humans are absent. This means the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, and frequency in humans remains largely unknown. Specific risk factors for adverse reactions have not been identified. Due to the lack of robust human safety data, caution is strongly advised. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using Albizia extracts, especially if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing medical conditions. Potential drug interactions, particularly with antidiabetic or anti-inflammatory medications, are not documented but cannot be ruled out, necessitating careful consideration and professional guidance.
Dosage
There is no standardized or clinically established dosing for Albizia extracts in humans due to the lack of comprehensive clinical trials. Dosage recommendations are currently based on animal studies, which used varying concentrations and forms. For instance, animal models for gastroprotection utilized doses ranging from 100-200 mg/kg, while antidepressant effects in rats were observed with 6 g/kg of an aqueous extract. These animal dosages cannot be directly translated to humans without proper human equivalent dose calculations and clinical validation. Optimal dosing, timing considerations, and specific dosages for different therapeutic purposes in humans remain undetermined. Furthermore, information regarding the most effective form (e.g., bark, leaf, flower extract), absorption factors, upper limits, and safety thresholds for human consumption is not available. Therefore, any use of Albizia extracts should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Albizia extract safe for diabetes?
Preclinical data suggest antidiabetic enzyme inhibition, but human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in diabetic patients. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Can Albizia extract be used for depression?
Animal studies indicate potential antidepressant effects via neuroimmune modulation, but robust clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking. It should not replace prescribed treatments.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Animal studies typically assess effects over days to weeks. The timeline for benefits in humans is unknown due to insufficient clinical research.
Are there known drug interactions?
No specific drug interaction data are available. Caution is advised, especially if taking antidiabetic or anti-inflammatory medications, due to potential unknown interactions.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7911069/ – This in vitro study evaluated Albizia lebbeck bark extract, demonstrating significant α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 305.52 µg/mL) and moderate DPP-4 inhibition (42.87% at 100 µg/mL). The findings suggest potential for managing postprandial glucose levels, but further in vivo and clinical validation are required.
- https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/6817 – This animal RCT investigated Albizia anthelmintica leaf extract's gastroprotective effects in rats, showing 87.4-92.3% gastric lesion prevention. The study attributed these effects to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, comparable to famotidine, indicating strong preclinical potential for ulcer treatment.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1482172/full – This animal study explored the hepatoprotective effects of Albizia julibrissin flower extract and quercitrin against methamphetamine-induced liver toxicity. It found that the extract alleviated liver damage via mitochondrial apoptosis pathways and antioxidant activity, suggesting its potential in liver protection.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10230641/ – This review and animal study investigated the molecular basis of Albizia julibrissin's antidepressant effects. It reported that the extract reduced proinflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6) and improved immune function in stressed rats, indicating antidepressant-like effects through neuroimmune modulation.
