Albizia Julibrissin: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is not only prized for its beautiful, fragrant flowers but also has a long-standing reputation in traditional medicine across Asia. Modern research is catching up, uncovering a fascinating range of benefits, potential side effects, and dosing guidance for this botanical. This article explores the science behind Albizia julibrissin, helping you understand how it may support health, what risks to watch for, and how much is typically used.

Benefits of Albizia Julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin has been traditionally used for its calming and mood-enhancing effects. Current scientific studies highlight a broad range of potential health benefits, from supporting mental health to offering antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Let’s explore what modern research says about this remarkable plant.

Effect	Description	Key Compounds/Mechanisms	Sources
Sedative	Promotes sleep and relaxation	Flavonol glycosides (quercitrin)	1
Anxiolytic	Reduces anxiety-like behaviors	Serotonergic modulation	5
Antioxidant	Scavenges free radicals, protects LDL	Quercetin glycosides	3, 4
Neuroprotective	Shields brain cells from oxidative stress	Antioxidant activity	8
Memory Support	Enhances learning and memory, inhibits AChE	Essential oil	9
Antiemetic	Reduces nausea and vomiting	Central and peripheral mechanisms	8
Anti-tumor	Inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro	Triterpenoid saponins	2

Table 1: Evidence-Based Benefits of Albizia Julibrissin

Sedative and Anxiolytic Properties

Albizia julibrissin flowers have a rich history as a natural sedative in traditional medicine. Scientific studies confirm that specific flavonol glycosides isolated from the flowers—such as quercitrin and isoquercitrin—increase sleep duration in animal models. These findings support its calming reputation and its use as a sleep aid or mild tranquilizer 1.

Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects are also well-documented. In rat studies, aqueous extracts of the bark significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze test. This effect was comparable to the pharmaceutical agent buspirone and appears to work by modulating serotonin receptors, hinting at a mechanism similar to some conventional anxiolytic medications 5.

Antioxidant and Cardioprotective Actions

Albizia julibrissin is packed with antioxidant compounds, especially quercetin glycosides like quercitrin and hyperoside. These antioxidants are not only abundant in the foliage and flowers but also show robust activity in laboratory tests. Extracts have been shown to inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a process involved in atherosclerosis, and drastically reduce monocyte adherence—a marker for cardiovascular inflammation 3, 4.

Neuroprotective Effects

The neuroprotective potential of Albizia julibrissin is particularly promising. Its extracts reduce oxidative stress in the brain, protecting mitochondrial function and decreasing markers of cellular damage in animal models. This may have implications for protecting the brain against neurodegenerative diseases and stress-related damage 8.

Memory and Cognitive Support

Recent studies on mice indicate that essential oil from Albizia julibrissin flowers can enhance learning and memory, especially in models of induced amnesia. This effect appears to be linked to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By inhibiting AChE, the extracts may help maintain higher levels of this neurotransmitter, which is critical for memory and learning 9.

Antiemetic and Anti-tumor Potential

Albizia julibrissin flower extract has demonstrated antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects in animal models, reducing vomiting by both central and peripheral mechanisms. Additionally, specific triterpenoid saponins isolated from the bark have shown significant anti-tumor activity against several cancer cell lines in vitro. While these findings are preliminary and primarily in preclinical models, they suggest intriguing avenues for future research 2, 8.

Side Effects of Albizia Julibrissin

While the potential benefits of Albizia julibrissin are impressive, it’s essential to consider possible side effects and safety issues. Traditional use and modern research suggest it is generally well-tolerated, but not entirely without risks.

Side Effect	Description	Severity/Notes	Sources
Toxicity	Low in tested aqueous/methanolic extracts	Non-toxic in cell studies	4
Unknowns	Long-term safety data lacking	Insufficient human studies	6, 7
Allergic Rxn	Possible in sensitive individuals	Rare, not well documented	7
Drug Interactions	Potential with sedatives, serotonergic drugs	Theoretical, not reported	1, 5

Table 2: Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns

General Safety and Toxicity

Multiple studies have evaluated the acute toxicity of Albizia julibrissin extracts. Water extracts from the foliage, flowers, and even the whole plant have been tested for cytotoxicity and were found to be non-toxic to mammalian cells at the tested concentrations 4. This supports its general safety for short-term use in traditional dosages.

Limitations in Human Data

Despite favorable findings in animal and cell studies, there are gaps in our knowledge—particularly regarding long-term use and effects in humans. No comprehensive human clinical trials have been published, so caution is warranted, especially for those considering high-dose or prolonged supplementation 6, 7.

Allergic Reactions

As with any herbal product, there is a possibility of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While no severe allergic events have been reported in the literature, it’s wise to start with a low dose and monitor for symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, especially if you have a history of allergies to legumes or flowering plants 7.

Drug Interactions

Given its sedative and anxiolytic properties, Albizia julibrissin may theoretically interact with prescription sedatives or medications affecting serotonin, such as SSRIs or other anxiolytics. While no specific interactions have been documented in the studies reviewed, caution is always advisable if you are taking these types of medications 1, 5.

Dosage of Albizia Julibrissin

Determining the right dosage for Albizia julibrissin depends on the preparation, intended use, and individual factors. Research provides useful guidance based on animal studies, which can be cautiously extrapolated for general recommendations.

Preparation	Dose Range	Application	Sources
Bark Extract	100–200 mg/kg	Anxiolytic	5
Flower Extract	50–200 mg/kg	Antiemetic, neuroprotective	8
Essential Oil	100–200 mg/kg	Memory enhancement	9
Foliage/Flower Water Extract	Standardized to 2.5 μM flavonoids	Antioxidant	4

Table 3: Typical Doses Used in Research

Dosage Forms and Administration

Albizia julibrissin is typically used as:

• Aqueous Extracts: Made from bark, flowers, or foliage; most commonly administered orally in research.
• Essential Oil: Distilled from flowers and used for cognitive support in animal studies.
• Standardized Extracts: Adjusted for specific flavonoid content (e.g., quercitrin, hyperoside).

Animal to Human Dosage Translation

Most dosing data come from animal studies. For example, anxiolytic effects were seen at 100–200 mg/kg of bark extract in rats. For a 70-kg human, using standard conversion factors, this would roughly translate to 1,140–2,280 mg per day, though such extrapolations are for informational purposes and should be interpreted with caution 5.

Practical Considerations

• Start Low: If using commercially available Albizia julibrissin supplements, begin at the lowest recommended dose to assess tolerance.
• Standardization: Look for products standardized for active compounds (e.g., quercitrin content).
• Consult a Professional: Especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions.

Duration of Use

Most studies involved short-term or sub-acute administration (up to several weeks). There is little data on long-term safety or efficacy, so prolonged self-administration is not currently recommended without medical supervision 5, 8, 9.

Conclusion

Albizia julibrissin is an intriguing herbal remedy with a combination of traditional wisdom and supportive modern research. While much of the evidence is preclinical, it highlights a variety of promising benefits for mood, cognition, and overall cellular health.

Key Takeaways:

• Calming and Anxiolytic: Demonstrates sedative and anxiety-reducing effects via serotonin pathways 1, 5.
• Antioxidant Power: Offers potent antioxidant protection, potentially benefiting cardiovascular and neurological health 3, 4, 8.
• Cognitive Support: May enhance memory and learning, especially under stress or amnesia models 9.
• Antiemetic and Anti-tumor Effects: Shows early promise in reducing nausea and inhibiting cancer cell growth 2, 8.
• Generally Safe: Non-toxic in tested doses, but human data is limited; monitor for allergies and drug interactions 4, 6, 7.
• Dosing: Most studied doses range from 50–200 mg/kg in animal models; begin with low doses and seek standardized extracts when possible 5, 8, 9.

As research continues, Albizia julibrissin may find a more prominent role in integrative health. If you are considering it for wellness purposes, consult a healthcare provider—especially if you are taking medications or have underlying conditions.