Herbs & Botanicals · Traditional Chinese calming bark
Albizia
Albizia julibrissin · also called Mimosa tree, Persian silk tree, silk tree, he huan pi (bark), he huan hua (flower)
Albizia is the bark and flower of the mimosa or silk tree, used in Chinese medicine for low mood, restlessness and poor sleep. Lab and animal studies are interesting, but we found no human trials, so benefit is unproven. Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and ask a pharmacist before combining it with sleep medicines or antidepressants.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Albizia
Albizia is the bark and flower of the mimosa (silk) tree, Albizia julibrissin, used in Chinese medicine for low mood, anxiety and poor sleep. We found no human trial of it for any use, so benefit is unproven. Lab and animal studies report calming and antidepressant-like effects, and a mouse study found that bark saponins lowered pregnancy rates and harmed the ovary and uterus, so avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A consumer reference lists added sedation with sleep medicines. Do not confuse it with Albizia lebbeck or A. procera, which are different species. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
What it is
Albizia julibrissin is a tree in the legume family, called the mimosa tree, Persian silk tree or silk tree. In Chinese medicine the bark is he huan pi and the flower is he huan hua. They are listed separately and differ in chemistry: the bark is rich in saponins and lignans, the flowers in flavonoids.
Older papers spell the genus 'Albizzia'. Two relatives, Albizia lebbeck and Albizia procera, are separate species. Results for one should not be assumed for another.
What makes it distinctive
Albizia is one of the best-known calming plants of Chinese medicine, often used for emotional distress and restless sleep. It is usually blended with other herbs, which makes its own effect hard to separate.
The tree also grows wild in parts of the United States, where one encyclopedia source calls it invasive. We could not confirm that from a government source, so check local rules before planting or spreading it.
Historical and current uses
A 2023 review traces the medicinal history of the bark and flowers to ad 25. Traditional uses include anxiety, melancholy, insomnia, bruises, pulmonary abscess and fractures. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists the bark to relieve melancholia and uneasiness of body and mind and to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
In Taiwan, records of people with sleep disorders show the bark is among the herbs often prescribed. That tells us it is used, not that it works.
What the research shows
Reviews describe lab and animal studies reporting antidepressant-like, anxiety-reducing, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-obesity and liver-protective effects. A 2020 review of the whole Albizia genus states that no clinical evidence supports the health benefits of these plants.
So the honest picture is: interesting lab leads, a long tradition, and no controlled human trials. We found no biomarkers measured in people.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Chinese medicine: the bark (he huan pi) is used for melancholy, anxiety and insomnia, and to reduce swelling and bruising
- The flower (he huan hua) is used separately in Chinese medicine
- Listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (as described in reviews)
Studied for research
- Low mood and depression: insufficient evidence (animal studies only)
- Anxiety: insufficient evidence (animal studies only)
- Sleep: insufficient evidence (no controlled human trial)
- Anti-cancer, immune, metabolic and liver effects: lab and animal studies only
Main compounds
- Triterpenoid saponins (julibrosides), mostly in the bark
- Flavonoids such as quercitrin, mostly in the flowers
- Lignans in the bark
Common forms
- Dried bark (traditionally a decoction)
- Dried flower (a different drug)
- Capsule, powder, extract or tincture (not tested in people)
- Multi-herb Chinese formulae
Research links: PubMed: Albizia julibrissin reviews · Review: Hehuan flowers and bark (J Ethnopharmacol 2023) · Review: Pharmacological spectrum of A. julibrissin (2025) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Albizia julibrissin Durazz.
- Naming authority
- Durazz.
- Synonyms
- Albizzia julibrissin (older spelling)
- Common names
- mimosa tree (English); Persian silk tree (English); silk tree (English); he huan pi (bark), he huan hua (flower) (Chinese (pinyin)); Cortex Albiziae (Latin (pharmacy))
- Botanical family
- Fabaceae (legume family). The tree is a nitrogen-fixing legume.
- Classification
- Plantae > not checked > not checked > not checked > Fabaceae > Albizia > Albizia julibrissin
- Native range
- Not verified from a primary source. Wikipedia says southwestern and eastern Asia; marked NOT verified.
- Habitat
- Not verified from a primary source.
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Bark (Cortex Albiziae) is the main traditional part.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Flowers (he huan hua) are a separate traditional drug rich in flavonoids.; Fruit: Flat pods (Wikipedia; NOT verified).
- Cultivation
- Not verified.
- Harvest and processing
- Not verified.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Albizia lebbeck (siris, woman's tongue tree); Note: A separate accepted species used in folk medicine (reviewed in p35497931). Its results (for example the male-rat fertility finding) do not transfer to A. julibrissin.; Name: Albizia procera (white siris); Note: A third separate accepted species (GBIF). We read nothing about its medicinal use or safety, so no results are assumed for it.; Name: Other plants called mimosa; Note: The common name 'mimosa tree' is shared with other plants; check the Latin name on the label.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed. Wikipedia says the tree has become invasive in the United States (NOT verified from a government source); do not plant or spread it where it is listed as invasive.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese medicine | Bark (he huan pi) traditionally used to ease anxiety, melancholy and insomnia, reduce swelling, and for bruises and fractures; flowers used separately. Medicinal use traced back to ad 25 in the review. | p36509253 |
| Chinese pharmacopoeia | Bark listed to relieve melancholia and uneasiness of body and mind, improve circulation and reduce swelling. | p15503760 |
| Other Asian countries | Medicinal use also recorded elsewhere in Asia (per the 2023 review). | p36509253 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triterpenoid saponins (julibrosides) | saponins | bark not reported | Anti-tumour effects in cell and animal studies; saponins from the bark caused reproductive toxicity in female mice. 9 7 | Animal research |
| Flavonoids (for example quercitrin) PubChem 5280459 | flavonoids | flower not reported | Quercitrin is named the primary active ingredient of the flowers; liver-protective activity was reported in a lab and animal study (title only read). 6 8 15 | Laboratory research |
| Lignans | lignans | bark not reported | Listed as constituents of the bark; no activity detail read. 6 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serotonin (5-HT1A) and GABA-A pathways | 5-HT1A receptor; GABA-A receptor | Reviews report antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects in rodents with extracts or isolated compounds, linked to these pathways. Not tested in people. Details come from our existing summary of the 2025 review (summary-only) and the abstracts. 5 9 | Animal research |
| Ovary and uterus | not specified | Bark saponins damaged the ovary and uterus in female mice. 7 | Animal research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- No human data found.
- Distribution
- No human data found.
- Metabolism
- No human data found.
- Elimination
- No human data found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in people.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Many lab findings are for isolated saponins or flavonoids, which may behave differently from whole bark or from the multi-herb formulae used in practice.
Nutritional composition
A nutrient table is not meaningful for this medicinal bark or flower.
9 not enough evidence
What is Albizia good for?
The traditional uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. For albizia, "insufficient" means we found no human trials, only tradition and lab or animal work.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Low mood and depression
Not enough evidenceAlbizia bark (he huan pi) is a classic Chinese remedy for low mood and 'melancholy'. Lab and animal studies report antidepressant-like effects. No human trial of albizia bark or flower for this use was found. Chinese multi-herb formulae containing it are used in practice, but those formulae cannot show what albizia alone does.
5 studiesTraditionally the dried bark in decoction, and the flower; modern sho…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2023 review by Huang and colleagues (p37265761) says albizia is used empirically as an antidepressant, that extracts and compounds showed antidepressant-like responses in animals, and that some albizia formulae are used alongside conventional antidepressants in practice. The abstract gives no trial sizes or results. The 2020 genus review (p32278761) states that no clinical evidence supports the health benefits of Albizia plants.
Results
No controlled human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
There are no human trials we could find, only tradition and animal work.
Form and dose studied
Traditionally the dried bark in decoction, and the flower; modern shop forms vary and none has been tested in people for this use.
Who was studied
No human trial population.
Limits
Our evidence rests on review abstracts; we did not open the full reviews, and we did not find or read primary human trials.
Why researchers looked
Chinese medicine has used the bark for emotional distress for about two thousand years.
Traditional use
Used in Chinese medicine to ease 'melancholy' and restlessness of body and mind; the Chinese pharmacopoeia lists the bark for this.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal studies suggest extracts or isolated compounds may act on serotonin pathways. This is animal and cell work only and has not been shown to explain any effect in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not replace prescribed treatment for depression with albizia. Combining with antidepressants has not been tested; ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Anxiety and restlessness
Not enough evidenceAlbizia is traditionally used to calm the mind. Reviews of lab and animal work report anxiety-reducing effects in rodents, mostly from isolated compounds. No human trial of albizia bark or flower for this use was found.
3 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2023 comparison review of bark and flowers (p36509253) lists anxiolytic and sedative activity from lab and animal studies. The 2025 review (p40869099) lists anxiolytic effects in animal models. Neither abstract reports a human trial.
Results
No human result.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Calming the 'spirit' is the best-known traditional use.
Traditional use
Hehuan bark and flowers are described as treating anxiety and melancholy in Chinese medicine.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Animal studies point to GABA-A and stress-hormone pathways. These are lab ideas only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
May add to the effect of calming or sleep medicines; see the Safety tab.
Sleep and insomnia
Not enough evidenceAlbizia bark is one of the herbs used in China for poor sleep. In Taiwan, a large records study found it among the herbs often prescribed to people with sleep disorders. That shows it is used, not that it works. We found no controlled trial of its effect on sleep.
3 studiesNot established.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The Taiwan cohort of 11,752 people with sleep disorders (Chen 2020, p32822822) compared 5,876 users of Chinese herbal medicine with 5,876 matched non-users. Users had a lower dementia risk (HR 0.469, 95% CI 0.289 to 0.760). He-Huan-Pi was named among five important herbs in the prescription patterns. The study did not test He-Huan-Pi alone, so it says nothing about albizia improving sleep.
Results
Records show use, not benefit.
Effect sizes as reported
HR 0.469 for all herbal users combined, not for albizia alone.
Why this rating
No controlled trial of albizia for sleep; the cohort is observational and not about albizia alone.
Form and dose studied
Not established.
Who was studied
Taiwanese adults aged 20 to 60 with sleep disorders (cohort).
Limits
Observational data, mixed herbal prescriptions, abstract only.
Why researchers looked
Insomnia is among the uses named for the bark in Chinese medicine.
Traditional use
Insomnia is among the traditional uses listed for bark and flowers.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Sedative and anti-insomnia activity has been reported in lab and animal studies. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
May add to sleep medicines (listed by a consumer reference); do not drive if drowsy.
Mental state in multi-herb formulae
Not enough evidenceIn China, albizia is rarely used alone. It is blended into formulae for low mood and poor sleep, and some are used with standard antidepressants. Such blends cannot tell us what the bark itself does.
1 studiesNot established.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Huang 2023 (p37265761) reviewed some albizia formulae described as compatible with conventional antidepressants in clinical practice. The abstract gives no numbers.
Results
No numbers available from the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Combination products; effects cannot be assigned to albizia.
Form and dose studied
Not established.
Who was studied
Depressed patients (per the review abstract).
Limits
Abstract only; combination products.
Why researchers looked
Real-world practice is mostly formula-based.
Traditional use
Reviews describe the bark being used inside formulae.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Tell your prescriber if you use a Chinese formula with antidepressants.
Bruises, swelling and healing (traditional)
Not enough evidenceThe bark is traditionally used to 'invigorate the blood', reduce swelling, and for bruises and fractures. We found no human trial. Some lab studies report anti-inflammatory effects.
2 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2004 review (p15503760) and the 2023 comparison review (p36509253) describe these traditional uses and list anti-inflammatory activity from lab and animal work. No human trial is mentioned in either abstract.
Results
No human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal and cell results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use and lab findings.
Traditional use
Chinese pharmacopoeia lists the bark to improve circulation and reduce swelling; bruises and fractures are also listed.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal studies report anti-inflammatory activity. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab, especially pregnancy.
Anti-cancer effects (lab only)
Not enough evidenceCell and animal studies of saponins from the bark report anti-tumour activity. This is early lab work; there is no human evidence, and albizia should not be used to treat cancer.
2 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2025 review (p40869099) lists antitumor effects from in vitro and in vivo studies. The 2023 review (p36509253) lists antineoplastic activity. No human trial is reported.
Results
No human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal and cell results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use and lab findings.
Traditional use
Not a classic traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Saponins (julibrosides) have shown anti-tumour effects in cell and animal studies.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab, especially pregnancy.
Immune and anti-inflammatory activity (lab)
Not enough evidenceReviews list immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies of bark and flower extracts. No human trial was found.
2 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
p36509253 lists immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity; p40869099 lists antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects. All from lab and animal work.
Results
No human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal and cell results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use and lab findings.
Traditional use
Not specific.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Cell and animal findings only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab, especially pregnancy.
Weight and metabolism (lab)
Not enough evidenceA 2025 review lists anti-obesity effects in animal and cell studies, and the comparison review lists metabolic regulation. No human trial was found.
2 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
p40869099 lists anti-obesity effects; p36509253 lists metabolic regulation. Both from lab and animal work, no human data.
Results
No human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal and cell results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use and lab findings.
Traditional use
Not a classic traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Animal and cell findings only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab, especially pregnancy.
Liver protection (lab)
Not enough evidenceA flavonoid from the flowers (quercitrin) protected liver cells from drug-induced injury in a lab and animal study, and the comparison review lists hepatoprotective activity. Not shown in people. For safety in the liver, see the Safety tab.
2 studiesNot established for people.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Only the title of the quercitrin paper (p40098616) was read; p36509253 lists hepatoprotective activity from lab and animal work.
Results
No human result to report.
Effect sizes as reported
None available.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work only; no human trial found.
Form and dose studied
Not established for people.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Abstracts only; animal and cell results often do not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use and lab findings.
Traditional use
Not a classic traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal findings only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab, especially pregnancy.
Connections to the rest of health
How Albizia connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mood Balance | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Low mood and depression: Albizia bark (he huan pi) is a classic Chinese remedy for low mood and 'melancholy'. Lab and animal studies report antidepressant-like effects. No human trial of albizia bark or flower for this use was found. Chinese multi-herb formulae containing it are used in practice, but those formulae cannot show what albizia alone does. Mental state in multi-herb formulae: In China, albizia is rarely used alone. It is blended into formulae for low mood and poor sleep, and some are used with standard antidepressants. Such blends cannot tell us what the bark itself does. | 5 4 6 10 9 |
| Anxiety Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Anxiety and restlessness: Albizia is traditionally used to calm the mind. Reviews of lab and animal work report anxiety-reducing effects in rodents, mostly from isolated compounds. No human trial of albizia bark or flower for this use was found. | 6 9 4 |
| Calm Relaxation | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Anxiety and restlessness: Albizia is traditionally used to calm the mind. Reviews of lab and animal work report anxiety-reducing effects in rodents, mostly from isolated compounds. No human trial of albizia bark or flower for this use was found. Mental state in multi-herb formulae: In China, albizia is rarely used alone. It is blended into formulae for low mood and poor sleep, and some are used with standard antidepressants. Such blends cannot tell us what the bark itself does. | 6 9 4 5 |
| Better Sleep | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Sleep and insomnia: Albizia bark is one of the herbs used in China for poor sleep. In Taiwan, a large records study found it among the herbs often prescribed to people with sleep disorders. That shows it is used, not that it works. We found no controlled trial of its effect on sleep. | 2 6 4 |
| Inflammation Balance | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Bruises, swelling and healing (traditional): The bark is traditionally used to 'invigorate the blood', reduce swelling, and for bruises and fractures. We found no human trial. Some lab studies report anti-inflammatory effects. Immune and anti-inflammatory activity (lab): Reviews list immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies of bark and flower extracts. No human trial was found. | 10 6 9 |
| Healthy Circulation | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Bruises, swelling and healing (traditional): The bark is traditionally used to 'invigorate the blood', reduce swelling, and for bruises and fractures. We found no human trial. Some lab studies report anti-inflammatory effects. | 10 6 |
| Cellular Protection | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Anti-cancer effects (lab only): Cell and animal studies of saponins from the bark report anti-tumour activity. This is early lab work; there is no human evidence, and albizia should not be used to treat cancer. | 9 6 |
| Immune Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Immune and anti-inflammatory activity (lab): Reviews list immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies of bark and flower extracts. No human trial was found. | 6 9 |
| Weight Management | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Weight and metabolism (lab): A 2025 review lists anti-obesity effects in animal and cell studies, and the comparison review lists metabolic regulation. No human trial was found. | 9 6 |
| Metabolic Health | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Weight and metabolism (lab): A 2025 review lists anti-obesity effects in animal and cell studies, and the comparison review lists metabolic regulation. No human trial was found. | 9 6 |
| Liver Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Liver protection (lab): A flavonoid from the flowers (quercitrin) protected liver cells from drug-induced injury in a lab and animal study, and the comparison review lists hepatoprotective activity. Not shown in people. For safety in the liver, see the Safety tab. | 8 6 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Low mood and depression Studied for: Anxiety and restlessness | 5 4 6 10 9 2 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Bruises, swelling and healing (traditional) | 10 6 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Anti-cancer effects (lab only) Studied for: Immune and anti-inflammatory activity (lab) | 9 6 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Weight and metabolism (lab) | 9 6 |
| Hepatic System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Liver protection (lab) | 8 6 |
D. Symptoms
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Contraindication | Not enough evidence | Mouse data show lower pregnancy rate and ovary/uterus damage; human data absent. Mouse study of bark saponins showed lower pregnancy rate; human data absent. Preparation or compound: Bark saponins (mouse study) |
7 16 |
| Sedation | Drug or supplement interaction | Not enough evidence | Listed interaction with sedatives in a consumer reference. Preparation or compound: Bark or flower |
16 |
| Low mood | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Traditional use and animal studies; no human trial. Preparation or compound: Bark or flower |
5 4 |
| Difficulty sleeping | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Traditional use; named in Taiwanese prescription records; no controlled trial. Preparation or compound: Bark |
2 6 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTR1A (serotonin 1A receptor) | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Animal studies link antidepressant-like effects to this receptor (per reviews; summary-only). | 5 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triterpenoid saponins (julibrosides) | Biological association | Animal | Anti-tumour effects in cell and animal studies; saponins from the bark caused reproductive toxicity in female mice. Preparation or compound: bark |
9 7 |
| Flavonoids (for example quercitrin) | Biological association | In vitro | Quercitrin is named the primary active ingredient of the flowers; liver-protective activity was reported in a lab and animal study (title only read). Preparation or compound: flower |
6 8 15 |
| Lignans | Biological association | In vitro | Listed as constituents of the bark; no activity detail read. Preparation or compound: bark |
6 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Albizia. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and looked for NIH NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed and regulator pages for albizia. Most sources were abstracts only. One consumer reference was carried over from an earlier summary and not re-opened. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 17
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balkrishna 2022 A Comprehensive Insight into the Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potential, and Traditional Medicinal Uses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 35497931 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Lab and animal studies; folk use | Albizia lebbeck extracts and compounds bark, leaf, pod and others not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Reports alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids, and many lab and animal activities including anticonvulsant, estrogenic and anti-allergic. The authors say studies are still required to estimate possible side effects. None. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Phytochemistry and pharmacology up to December 2020 Limitations: A different species (A. lebbeck), so its results do not transfer to A. julibrissin. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Chen 2020 Effects of Chinese herbal medicines on dementia risk in patients with sleep disorders in Taiwan. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 32822822 · DOI |
Cohort study |
11752 Taiwanese adults aged 20 to 60 with sleep disorders (5,876 Chinese-herbal-medicine users and 5,876 matched non-users) |
Any Chinese herbal medicine; He-Huan-Pi (Cortex Albizziae) was one of five frequently used herbs bark not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Herbal users had a lower dementia risk (HR 0.469, 95% CI 0.289 to 0.760). He-Huan-Pi was named as an important herb in the sleep-disorder prescriptions. The study did not test He-Huan-Pi alone. HR 0.469 for all herbal users together (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Dementia risk; which herbs were commonly prescribed Limitations: Observational; herb users may differ from non-users. It says nothing about whether He-Huan-Pi itself helps sleep or protects against dementia. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Gupta 2006 Antispermatogenic, antiandrogenic activities of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark extract in male albino rats. Phytomedicine · PMID 16492532 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Male rats of proven fertility | Methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck bark, 100 mg per rat per day for 60 days bark (A. lebbeck, not A. julibrissin) not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Sperm motility and density fell and fertility dropped by 100% in the rats; testosterone fell. Blood counts and basic blood chemistry were unchanged. Fertility reduced by 100% in treated rats. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fertility, sperm counts, testosterone Limitations: Rat study of a different species. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| He 2020 The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of genus Albizia: A review. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 32278761 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Genus-wide (about 150 species), mostly lab and animal | Albizia species extracts various parts not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Albizia species are used for melancholia, insomnia, wounds, fever and more. They contain triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids and lignans. The authors state that no clinical evidence supports the health benefits of these plants, and that clinical efficacy and safety still need to be verified. None. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology across the genus Limitations: Only the abstract was read. Genus-wide, so it mixes species. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Huang 2023 Molecular basis and mechanism of action of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment and clinical application of its formulae. Chin Herb Med · PMID 37265761 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Depressed animals; depressed patients treated with A. julibrissin formulae | A. julibrissin extracts, constituents and multi-herb formulae bark (Cortex Albiziae) and flower not extracted not extracted · vs none |
States the plant is used empirically as an antidepressant. Preclinical studies showed antidepressant-like responses from total extracts or constituents. Some formulae were reviewed as used alongside conventional antidepressants in practice. The abstract gives no trial numbers. None in abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antidepressant mechanisms and clinical use of formulae Limitations: Only the abstract was read. Formulae contain other herbs, so effects cannot be put down to albizia alone. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Lu 2023 A comparison review of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark on the traditional applications, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 36509253 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Classic texts, lab and animal studies | A. julibrissin bark (Hehuan pi) and flowers (Hehuan hua) bark and flower not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Medicinal history traced back to ad 25. About 140 compounds isolated. Flowers are rich in flavonoids; bark contains lignans and saponins. Traditional uses include anxiety, melancholy, insomnia, bruises, pulmonary abscess and fractures. Lab and animal work reports anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, anti-insomnia, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antitumour activity. The authors say further toxicology, pharmacokinetic and quality work is still needed before efficacy and safety can be confirmed. None in abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology Limitations: Only the abstract was read; the full review was not opened. Reviews of lab and animal work cannot show benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Shu 2015 The reproductive toxicity of saponins isolated from Cortex Albiziae in female mice. Chin J Nat Med · PMID 25769894 · DOI |
Animal study animal |
Female Kunming mice | Saponins isolated from Cortex Albiziae, by mouth, 135, 270 and 540 mg/kg/day vs saline bark not extracted not extracted · vs none |
At 540 mg/kg/day the pregnancy rate fell by 70%. Implantation rates fell in early, middle and late pregnancy, with stillbirths and maternal deaths. The saponins damaged the ovary and uterus. No fetal toxicity or teratogenicity was seen. Pregnancy rate down 70% at the top dose (mice). (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pregnancy rate, implantation, ovary and uterus histology Limitations: Mouse study with isolated saponins at high doses, not whole bark in people. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Wu 2025 Quercitrin, the primary active ingredient of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. flowers, alleviates methamphetamine-induced hepatotoxicity through a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. Front Pharmacol · PMID 40098616 · DOI |
Lab study mixed |
Cells and animals | Quercitrin, a flavonoid from the flowers flower not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Title only was read (not the abstract). Lab and animal work. not read (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver injury markers Limitations: Title only was read, so no result is stated. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: title-only |
| Yang 2025 Pharmacological Spectrum of Substances Derived from Albizia julibrissin Durazz. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 40869099 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Cell lines and animal models (no human trials described in the abstract) | Extracts and isolated compounds of Albizia julibrissin bark, flower and other parts not extracted not extracted · vs none |
Names triterpenoid julibrosides, flavonoids and lignans. Lists antitumor, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects from in vitro and in vivo (cell and animal) studies. No effect sizes in the abstract. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Phytochemistry and pharmacology, 2004 to 2024 Limitations: Only the abstract was read; the full review was not opened. Reviews of lab and animal work cannot show benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Yu 2004 [Advances in study on bark of Albizzia julibrissin]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi · PMID 15503760 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Chinese pharmacopoeia and lab studies | A. julibrissin stem bark (Cortex Albiziae) bark not extracted not extracted · vs none |
States the pharmacopoeia lists the bark to relieve melancholia and uneasiness of body and mind, improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. None. (not reported in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Uses and chemistry Limitations: Only the English abstract was read. Old review. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| s-gbif-julibrissin GBIF Backbone: Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (usageKey 2972983) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-lebbeck GBIF Backbone: Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (usageKey 2973215) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-procera GBIF Backbone: Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. (usageKey 2973167) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nccih-albizia-notfound NIH NCCIH: no albizia page found · Source |
Regulator lookup n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: not-found | ||
| s-pubchem-quercitrin PubChem: Quercitrin (CID 5280459) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-rxlist-albizia RxList (consumer drug reference): Albizia · Source |
Consumer reference n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: summary-only | ||
| s-wikipedia-albizia-julibrissin Wikipedia: Albizia julibrissin (invasive species section) · Source |
Encyclopedia n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No randomised controlled trial of albizia bark or flower for mood, anxiety or sleep was found.
- Only abstracts of reviews were read; the full reviews and any primary clinical papers were not.
- Safety in people is unknown; the pregnancy signal comes from one mouse study.
- No human pharmacokinetic or interaction studies.
- Native range and invasive status were not confirmed from a government source.
- EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox and LactMed pages for albizia were not found.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A mouse study of saponins from the bark (Cortex Albiziae) found a 70% drop in pregnancy rate at the highest dose, fewer implantations, stillbirths and damage to the ovary and uterus. No fetal malformations were seen. The study used isolated saponins at high doses in mice, so we cannot say what whole bark does in women. No human abortion report was found by us. A consumer drug reference (summary-only) also advises against use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal study 7 16
- May add to the effect of sleep and calming medicines. A consumer drug reference lists a moderate interaction with sedating medicines such as benzodiazepines, zolpidem and barbiturates. This is a listed caution and a theory from the herb's calming use, not a tested interaction in people. Ask a pharmacist before combining. Consumer reference 16
- No safety data from human trials. We found no clinical trial of albizia bark or flower, so rates of side effects are unknown. A 2020 genus review states that clinical efficacy and safety still need to be verified. Narrative review 4 6
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drowsiness (possible) Inferred from the herb's sedative use and a consumer-reference interaction listing; no human side-effect data were found. | Not established | unknown unknown | Theory 16 |
| Reduced fertility (female mice; male rats with A. lebbeck) Animal findings, one with isolated saponins, one with another species (A. lebbeck). Not shown in people. | Pregnancy rate down 70% at the top dose in mice | unknown in people not reported in the abstracts | Animal study 7 3 |
Liver
No case report of liver injury from albizia bark or flower and no LiverTox entry were found. Lab and animal studies report liver-protective activity for a flower flavonoid, which is not proof of safety. 8 14
How often. Unknown.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Albizia supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedatives and sleep medicines (benzodiazepines, zolpidem, barbiturates), alcohol prescription | Theory: additive drowsiness. | Listed as a moderate interaction in a consumer drug reference; not tested in people. | Consumer reference Not enough evidence 16 | Do not combine without a pharmacist or doctor's advice. |
| Antidepressants prescription | Theory only: lab studies suggest albizia affects serotonin pathways in animals; some Chinese formulae with albizia are used alongside antidepressants in practice. | No interaction trial or case report was found. Serotonin-related effects with other serotonergic drugs are untested. | Theory Not enough evidence 5 9 | Tell your prescriber before using any albizia product with an antidepressant. |
| Other calming herbs (valerian, passionflower, kava) herbal | Theory: additive sedation. | Not tested. | Theory Not enough evidence 16 | Avoid stacking calming herbs without advice. |
Who should check first 3
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding | Avoid. Animal data suggest harm to fertility and pregnancy; human safety is unknown. | Animal study 7 16 |
| Taking sedatives, sleeping pills or antidepressants | Ask your prescriber or pharmacist first. | Consumer reference 16 |
| Scheduled surgery or anaesthesia | Tell the surgical team about any albizia product. The timing advice in one consumer reference appears copied from another herb, so we do not repeat it. | Consumer reference 16 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No formal human toxicity data were found. Animal data suggest saponins from the bark can harm the ovary and uterus at high doses.
Animal. Mice given bark saponins at 135, 270 and 540 mg/kg/day: 70% lower pregnancy rate at the top dose, stillbirths, maternal deaths and ovary and uterus damage, but no birth defects. Another species (A. lebbeck) bark extract stopped sperm production in male rats.
Human doses studied. None; no human trial found.
High dose or long term signals. Unknown in people.
Overdose response. No overdose case was found.
Genotoxicity. Not found.
Toxic plant parts. Saponins are concentrated in the bark; the reproductive findings came from bark saponins. The flower is rich in flavonoids instead. No part has been proven toxic or safe in people.
No contamination or adulteration report for albizia products was found.
Species mix-ups. Albizia julibrissin (he huan), A. lebbeck (siris) and A. procera are three separate accepted species (GBIF). 'Albizia' on a label does not say which species it is. Safety and effect results for one species should not be assumed for another. The fertility finding in male rats was with A. lebbeck. 11 12 13 3
Bark versus flower. The bark (he huan pi) and flower (he huan hua) are listed separately in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and differ in chemistry; they are not interchangeable. 6
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- Vaginal bleeding or pregnancy loss symptoms while using any albizia product
- Extreme sleepiness, confusion or slow breathing after combining albizia with sleep medicines or alcohol
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing (allergic reaction)
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does albizia help with depression?
Does albizia help with sleep?
Is albizia the same as mimosa?
What is he huan pi?
Is albizia safe in pregnancy?
Can I take albizia with sleeping pills?
Do not combine without advice. A consumer drug reference lists a moderate interaction with sedatives, such as extra drowsiness. It is a listed caution, not a tested result.
Can I take albizia with antidepressants?
There is no interaction study. Some Chinese formulae with albizia are used alongside antidepressants in practice, but tell your prescriber first.
Is albizia the same as Albizia lebbeck?
Is albizia bad for the liver?
What is the difference between the bark and the flower?
They are listed separately in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The bark has more saponins and lignans; the flower has more flavonoids. Do not swap them.
Is the mimosa tree invasive?
One encyclopedia source says it has become invasive in the United States. We could not verify this from a government source, so check local rules before planting it.
Should I tell my doctor if I use albizia?
Yes, especially before surgery, in pregnancy, or if you take sleep medicines or antidepressants. A consumer reference says it may add to the effects of anaesthesia.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed and looked for NIH NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed and regulator pages for albizia. Most sources were abstracts only. One consumer reference was carried over from an earlier summary and not re-opened. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.
Sources 17
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Balkrishna A, Sakshi, Chauhan M, Dabas A, Arya V. A Comprehensive Insight into the Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potential, and Traditional Medicinal Uses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022. PMID 35497931. DOI not found (article 5359669). (abstract)
- Chen CJ, Liu X, Chiou JS, Hang LW, Li TM, Tsai FJ, Ko CH, Lin TH, Liao CC, Huang SM, Liang WM, Lin YJ. Effects of Chinese herbal medicines on dementia risk in patients with sleep disorders in Taiwan.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020. PMID 32822822. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113267. (abstract)
- Gupta RS, Kachhawa JB, Chaudhary R. Antispermatogenic, antiandrogenic activities of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth bark extract in male albino rats.. Phytomedicine. 2006. PMID 16492532. DOI not found. (abstract)
- He Y, Wang Q, Ye Y, Liu Z, Sun H. The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of genus Albizia: A review.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020. PMID 32278761. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112677. (abstract)
- Huang B, Wu Y, Li C, Tang Q, Zhang Y. Molecular basis and mechanism of action of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment and clinical application of its formulae.. Chin Herb Med. 2023. PMID 37265761. DOI 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.10.004. (abstract)
- Lu P, Zhang C, Zheng J, Li C, Zhang Q, Huang B. A comparison review of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark on the traditional applications, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023. PMID 36509253. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116002. (abstract)
- Shu Y, Cao M, Yin ZQ, Li P, Li TQ, Long XF, Zhu LF, Jia RY, Dai SJ, Zhao J. The reproductive toxicity of saponins isolated from Cortex Albiziae in female mice.. Chin J Nat Med. 2015. PMID 25769894. DOI 10.1016/S1875-5364(15)60015-2. (abstract)
- Wu D, et al.. Quercitrin, the primary active ingredient of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. flowers, alleviates methamphetamine-induced hepatotoxicity through a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.. Front Pharmacol. 2025. PMID 40098616. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2025.1482172. (title-only)
- Yang Y, Kwon CH, Ham YM, Ha MW. Pharmacological Spectrum of Substances Derived from Albizia julibrissin Durazz.. Int J Mol Sci. 2025. PMID 40869099. DOI 10.3390/ijms26157778. (abstract)
- Yu DH, Qiao SY, Zhao YM. [Advances in study on bark of Albizzia julibrissin].. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004. PMID 15503760. DOI not found. (abstract)
- . GBIF Backbone: Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (usageKey 2972983). . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (usageKey 2973215). . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. (usageKey 2973167). . . (full-text)
- . NIH NCCIH: no albizia page found. . . (not-found)
- . PubChem: Quercitrin (CID 5280459). . . (full-text)
- . RxList (consumer drug reference): Albizia. . . (summary-only)
- . Wikipedia: Albizia julibrissin (invasive species section). . . (full-text)