Albizia julibrissin
What's the taxonomical classification of Albizia julibrissin?
Albizia juliibrissin belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant follows the taxonomic order Fabales and is a member of the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Albizia and is known by its species name juliibrissin.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Albizia |
| Species | julibrissin |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Albizia julibrissin has bipinnately compound leaves that typically measure 12 to 24 inches in length and consist of numerous small, oblong leaflets arranged along several pairs of secondary axes. These leaves exhibit a delicate, fern-like appearance and are often folded inward during the night to conserve moisture. The tree produces distinctive inflorescences shaped like powder puffs, featuring long, prominent pink filaments that function as stamens. Its bark is smooth and gray when young but develops a fissured, textured surface as the tree matures. The overall growth habit forms a spreading, umbrella-shaped canopy supported by a sturdy trunk.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries such as India, China, Japan, and parts of Indochina. It flourishes in warm climates where it can occupy diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to mountain forests. Because of its resilience, it has been introduced to various other tropical zones globally for ornamental and shade purposes. The species thrives particularly well in moist, well-drained soils found throughout these expanded ranges. Its distribution is largely dictated by the availability of consistent warmth and seasonal rainfall patterns.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil within USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11.
To ensure vigorous growth, it requires regular watering during its establishment phase but is notably drought-tolerant once mature. The species benefits from organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress competing weeds around its root zone. Periodic pruning helps maintain its spreading canopy shape and encourages healthy flowering.
While it is relatively low-maintenance, providing nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the spring can enhance its overall vitality.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Albizia julibrissin provides medicinal value through its bark, flowers, and leaves. The inner cortex of the bark is frequently harvested to create decoctions used for treating various inflammatory conditions. Its fragrant flowers are often utilized in traditional remedies to help calm the nervous system and promote sleep. The leaves are similarly employed in herbal preparations to assist with digestive issues and skin ailments. Together, these diverse components allow different parts of the tree to serve various therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the Cortex Albiziae is one of the herbs used in the Suaanzaorenhehuan Formula. After a one-week treatment, the ethanolic SHF extract at doses of 50, 100 and 200mg/kg induced a significant decrease in immobility time in the TST. Following a two-week treatment, the 50, 100 and 200mg/kg doses led to a reduction in the immobility period in both the TST and FST. The 5-HT levels in the mice hippocampus were increased only after the 200mg/kg SHF extract treatment. Furthermore, noradrenaline levels were increased after 200mg/kg SHF extract treatment in both the mice hippocampus and frontal cortex. The 50, 100 and 200mg/kg doses also significantly inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B after 21-day CUMS exposure.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Cortex
- Flower
- Leaves
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Albizia julibrissin has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to calm the spirit and treat emotional disturbances. Practitioners often use the bark or flowers of the tree to address symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. In various historical contexts, it has been valued for its ability to soothe the liver and regulate the flow of qi throughout the body. Beyond its medicinal applications, the plant has also been integrated into various folk traditions for its perceived calming properties. These long-standing practices highlight the plant's significant role in historical botanical healing systems.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cortex Albiziae is one of 4 herbs included in the Suanzaorenhehuan Formula used for the treatment of depression-like disorders. The ethanolic extract of this formula was administered to mice at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. After 1 week of treatment, these doses induced a significant decrease in immobility time in the tail suspension test. Following 2 weeks of treatment, the 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses led to a reduction in the immobility period in both the TST and the forced swimming test. Additionally, the 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg extract doses significantly inhibited monoamine oxidase-A and monoamine oxidase-B after 21 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress exposure.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Albizia julibrissin?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its potent antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also demonstrates significant antimicrobial capabilities by inhibiting the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Research indicates that its antitumor effects can assist in suppressing the proliferation of malignant cells. Furthermore, its hepatoprotective qualities work to protect the liver from chemical or toxic damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Albizia julibrissin Durazz has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions such as anxiety, melancholy, insomnia, bruises, pulmonary abscess, fractures, carbuncle, amnesia, acute conjunctivitis, blurred vision, neonatal tetanus, and stroke. About 140 compounds have been isolated from the bark and flowers of this plant, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that crude extracts and pure compounds of the flowers and bark possess multiple activities, such as anti-neoplastic, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, metabolic regulation, anti-insomnia, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, sedative, and anti-osteolytic activities. These natural products are used for treating cancer, enhancing immunity, regulating metabolism, and improving mental state. The medicinal history of Albizia julibrissin in China can be traced back to AD 25.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antitumor
- antimicrobial
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including julibroside J6, julibroside J(8), julibroside J9, julibrosides I-III, and julibroside J1. These specific chemical constituents are often studied for their unique pharmacological properties within the genus Albizia. Researchers focus on these julibroside variants to better understand their potential therapeutic applications in medicine. The structural diversity of these compounds allows for various interactions within biological systems. Such detailed chemical profiles are essential for advancing natural product research.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", a saponin was separated from Albizia julibrissin using chromatography. This saponin was identified as a new compound named Julibroside J6. The structure of Julibroside J6 is 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta- D-2-deoxy-2-acetamidoglucopyranosyl]-21-O-(6S-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl- 6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-(6S-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-hydroxy-2, 7-octadienoyl)-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2, 7-octadienoyl)-acacic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl- (1-->4)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester. The study utilized spectral data to elucidate this specific chemical structure.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Julibroside J6
- julibroside J(8)
- julibroside J9
- julibrosides I-III
- julibrosides J1
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing anxiety, depression, inflammation, microbial infections, and parasitic infections. Its bioactive compounds help stabilize mood and provide calming effects for neurological distress. The plant also contains properties that reduce swelling and bodily inflammation throughout the system. Furthermore, its medicinal components act against various microbial infections to protect the immune response. It is also utilized in traditional practices to combat harmful parasitic infections.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Albizia julibrissin Durazz contains bioactive compounds like triterpenoid julibrosides, flavonoids, and lignans. Research developments compiled from 2004 to 2024 highlight its potential for therapeutic applications in human diseases. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies across various cell lines and animal models have demonstrated several pharmacological attributes. These include antitumoor, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic effects.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- anxiety
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- depression-like disorders
- general anxiety
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous extracts of cortex and ethanolic extracts. These specific preparations are derived from the bark of the tree to harness its therapeutic properties. The aqueous extract involves soaking the cortex in water to pull out water-soluble compounds. Meanwhile, the ethanolic extract utilizes alcohol as a solvent to isolate more complex phytochemicals. Both methods are employed to standardize the dosage for various traditional applications.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", apolar extracts from the cortex and flos of Albizia juliibrissin Durazz. were investigated for their effects. These extracts effectively inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, the extracts from Albizia juliibrissin dose-dependently activated PPARα and PPARγ. Bioassay-guided fractionation and analysis by GC-MS identified fatty acids, including linoleic and palmitic acid, as PPAR agonists within these preparations.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- apolar extracts of cortex
- ethanolic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause cytotoxic activity and hypnotic effects when its chemical compounds interact with human biological systems. The presence of specific alkaloids may lead to the inhibition of cell growth, which characterizes its potential cytotoxic nature. Additionally, certain extracts from the plant are known to induce sedative properties that result in noticeable hypnotic effects. These physiological responses necessitate careful study to understand the risks associated with ingestion. Researchers continue to investigate how these bioactive substances impact cellular stability and central nervous system function.
According to a study published by "Carbohydrate research", the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin contains two diastereomeric saponins known as julibrosides J1 (1) and J9 (2). These compounds exhibit cytotoxic activity. Specifically, julibroside J1 has a complex structure involving various sugar moieties such as beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl. Both julibrosides J1 and J9 show good inhibitory action against the KB cancer cell line in vitro.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- cytotoxic activity
- hypnotic effects
What herbs are paired with Albizia julibrissin?
This plant pairs most effectively with Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Paeonia lactiflora to enhance its sedative and calming properties.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional formulas to address anxiety and insomnia. Adding Glycyrrhiza uralensis can help harmonize the different botanical components within a decoction. Some practitioners also combine it with Schisandra chinensis to stabilize the nervous system more comprehensively.
Utilizing these specific pairings helps optimize the therapeutic impact of the Albizia julibrissin bark and flowers.