Albizia Julibrissin Extract
Also known as: Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Persian silk tree, mimosa tree, silk tree, Albizia julibrissin
Overview
Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa tree, is a botanical extract derived from a tree native to southern and eastern Asia. Its flowers and stem bark have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and for its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Key bioactive compounds include polysaccharides, flavonoids (especially quercitrin), saponins (like julibrosides), and alkaloids. While preclinical research is extensive, particularly in areas like depression and liver protection, high-quality clinical evidence remains limited. The current body of research includes molecular characterization, animal models, and some preliminary human trials, but comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses are scarce, indicating a need for further robust clinical investigation.
Benefits
Albizia julibrissin shows promising, though largely preliminary, evidence for several health benefits. Preclinical and some clinical studies suggest antidepressant-like activity, potentially by modulating neurotransmitter systems and neuroplasticity pathways, with some traditional formulas combining it with conventional antidepressants showing compatibility in clinical practice. Extracts, particularly quercitrin from the flowers, have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against methamphetamine-induced liver toxicity in animal models, acting through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathways. Animal studies also indicate cognitive benefits, such as amelioration of memory loss induced by sleep deprivation, with saponins like julibrosides implicated in these effects. Furthermore, polysaccharides extracted from the leaves and pods exhibit anticomplementary activity, suggesting potential for modulating immune overactivation disorders. Traditional use and some preclinical evidence support its use as an anxiolytic and sleep aid, though robust clinical evidence for these effects is currently insufficient.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for Albizia julibrissin are multifaceted and depend on its diverse chemical constituents. Its antidepressant effects are thought to involve the modulation of neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity, though specific molecular targets are still under investigation. For hepatoprotection, quercitrin, a key flavonoid, reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver cells by influencing mitochondrial pathways. The immunomodulatory activity is attributed to polysaccharides that inhibit complement activation, thereby reducing inflammatory responses. Cognitive benefits, particularly in ameliorating memory loss from sleep deprivation, are believed to be mediated by saponins that may influence neuronal signaling and protect against neurotoxicity. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, flavonoids and saponins generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Albizia julibrissin extracts generally appear to have a favorable safety profile based on animal and preliminary human studies. However, comprehensive safety data, especially from large-scale clinical trials, are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no robustly identified significant drug interactions or contraindications, but caution is advised due to the scarcity of clinical data. Specific safety information for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, or children, is insufficient, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided. As with any supplement, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosing established for Albizia julibrissin due to the variability in extract composition and the limited number of comprehensive clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized a wide range of doses, and clinical formulations often incorporate A. julibrissin as part of a multi-herbal blend rather than as a standalone supplement. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., bark extract, flower extract, specific isolated compounds) require further rigorous research. Without clear clinical guidelines, it is challenging to recommend specific dosages for different purposes or populations. Consumers should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially given the lack of established upper limits or safety thresholds.
FAQs
Is Albizia julibrissin effective for anxiety or depression?
Evidence for antidepressant effects is supported by animal and limited clinical data, but its efficacy for anxiety is considered insufficient. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Is Albizia julibrissin safe to use?
It is generally considered safe in traditional doses, but high-quality safety data from robust clinical trials are lacking. Caution is advised, especially for specific populations.
How long does it take to see effects from Albizia julibrissin?
The timeline for experiencing effects is currently unknown, as preclinical studies do not provide clear indications of onset or duration of action in humans.
Can Albizia julibrissin be used with antidepressant medications?
Some traditional formulas show compatibility, but due to limited clinical data on interactions, professional medical supervision is strongly recommended if considering co-administration.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1590775/full – This experimental study identified polysaccharides from Albizia julibrissin leaves and pods with strong anticomplementary activity in vitro, suggesting potential for immune modulation. The research provides high-quality biochemical characterization but lacks clinical data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1482172/full – This animal randomized controlled trial demonstrated that quercitrin from Albizia julibrissin flowers alleviated methamphetamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The study has good methodology but requires clinical confirmation in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10230641/ – This systematic narrative review summarized the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of Albizia julibrissin, highlighting its bioactive compounds and use in clinical formulas. It is comprehensive but limited by the scarcity of high-powered randomized controlled trials and the need for more molecular-level studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463593/ – This animal randomized controlled trial showed that Albizia julibrissin improved memory loss in sleep-deprived rodents, with saponins implicated in these effects. The study is well-designed but is an animal model and lacks human clinical trials.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1451/albizia-julibrissin – This source provides a general overview of Albizia julibrissin, including its traditional uses and a summary of its safety profile. It notes that while traditionally considered safe, high-quality safety data are still lacking.
