Albizia
FabaceaeAlbizia julibrissin Durazz.
Also known as: He Huan Pi, He Huan Hua, Persian Silk Tree
clinical_notes Clinical Summary
Albizia (Albizia julibrissin) is a flowering tree native to Asia whose bark (He Huan Pi) and flowers (He Huan Hua) are among the most valued TCM herbs for emotional wellbeing, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
First recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing ca.
200 BCE, its primary mechanisms of action include modulation of serotonergic (5-HT1A) and GABAergic pathways, anti-inflammatory activity, and blood circulation promotion.
Active constituents include triterpenoid saponins (julibrosides), flavonoid glycosides with sedative activity, and an anxiolytic lignan (syringaresnol glucoside, SAG) that has demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to diazepam in preclinical studies.
While clinical human trials are limited, extensive animal pharmacological evidence and centuries of empirical use support its application for stress-related emotional disturbances.
It is generally considered mild and well-tolerated; avoid in pregnancy and with CNS depressants.
Pregnancy Safety
Albizia bark is contraindicated in pregnancy. In TCM, blood-invigorating herbs are traditionally avoided during pregnancy. Saponin extracts demonstrated antifertility and potential uterine-stimulating effects in animal models. Do not use during pregnancy.
Lactation Safety
Insufficient safety data in lactating women. Avoid as a precautionary measure during breastfeeding.
warning Contraindications
- CNS depressants and sedative medications (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, zolpidem, opioids, antihistamines) (caution)Theoretical
- Pregnancy (avoid)Theoretical
- Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, SNRIs, TCAs) (caution)Theoretical
vital_signs Clinical Profile
Primary Indications
- check_circle anxiety
- check_circle depression
- check_circle insomnia
- check_circle emotional trauma
- check_circle irritability
- check_circle grief
- check_circle stress-related insomnia
- check_circle traumatic injury
- check_circle fracture healing
- check_circle lung abscess
- check_circle carbuncle
- check_circle abscesses
Therapeutic Actions
System Affinities
- check_circle nervous system
- check_circle heart
- check_circle liver
- check_circle musculoskeletal
labs Active Constituents
triterpenoid saponins
flavonoids
lignans (syringaresnol-4-O-beta-d-apiofuranosyl-(1-2)-beta-d-glucopyranoside - SAG)
tannins
alkaloids
albizzin
albitocin
beta-sitosterol
polysaccharides
3,4,7-trihydroxyflavone
machaerinic acid lactone
history_edu Traditional Use
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
合欢皮 (He Huan Pi)
Nature: neutral
- depression and constrained emotions with insomnia
- irritability due to Liver Qi stagnation
- anxiety and palpitations from Heart Qi deficiency
- fractures and traumatic injuries
- pulmonary abscess
- carbuncle and swelling
He Huan Pi (bark) and He Huan Hua (flower) are both used in TCM but have distinct functions. The bark is stronger in promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, and addressing physical injuries, while the flower is more uplifting and specifically indicated for Qi stagnation patterns with emotional constraint. The herb was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (ca. 200 BCE) and is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The name He Huan translates as 'collective happiness' reflecting its role as a TCM mood-elevating herb.
Traditional Uses Across Healing Systems
While many herbs lack controlled clinical trials, centuries of traditional practice across cultures provide valuable insight into their therapeutic applications.
Primary shen-calming herb for emotional disturbances, anxiety, depression, insomnia from Liver Qi stagnation or Heart Shen disturbance. Also used for traumatic injuries, fractures (promotes Blood circulation and reduces swelling), pulmonary abscess, and carbuncle. He Huan Hua (flower) more specifically for Qi stagnation patterns.
Among the most valued Chinese botanicals for emotional wellbeing; sometimes called 'herbal Prozac' by modern practitioners due to its mood-elevating properties
Used in Western naturopathic and integrative medicine for anxiety, depression, grief, emotional trauma, and stress-related insomnia. Often combined with other nervine herbs.
Promoted as a gentler alternative to St. John's Wort for depression and anxiety with a more pronounced action on grief and emotional constraint
Nemu No Ki (sleeping tree) bark used in Japanese Kampo medicine for insomnia and emotional agitation. Applied topically for fractures and injuries.
The tree is called Nemu No Ki (sleeping tree) in Japan because its leaves fold at night, reflecting its association with sleep
spa Parts Used
bark
- anxiety
- depression
- insomnia
- traumatic injury
- fractures
- abscess
- carbuncle
Dried stem bark (Cortex Albiziae). Traditional TCM: soak in water 20-30 minutes then decoct 9-15g in non-metallic pot for 20-30 minutes. Available as tincture (1:2, 60% ethanol), powder, or capsules. Harvest in summer-autumn, sundry before slicing.
flower
- insomnia from Qi stagnation
- depression
- anxiety
- epigastric pain from emotional constraint
Dried flowers or buds (Flos Albiziae - He Huan Hua). More uplifting than the bark; used for Qi stagnation patterns. Flower flavonol glycosides demonstrated sedative activity in mice. Decoct 6-12g or use as infusion. Harvested in summer when in bloom and dried promptly.
shield Safety
Contraindications — Evidence Basis
CNS depressants and sedative medications (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, zolpidem, opioids, antihistamines)
Albizia julibrissin has sedative and CNS-depressant activity mediated via serotonergic and GABAergic pathways. Additive CNS depression may occur when combined with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other sedative agents. Avoid driving or operating machinery. Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to potential anesthesia interactions.
Pregnancy
Albizia bark is classified as a blood-invigorating herb in TCM and traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine circulation. Saponin fraction in animal studies demonstrated antifertility effects. Avoid use during pregnancy.
Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, SNRIs, TCAs)
Albizia modulates serotonergic (5-HT1A) and GABAergic pathways. Theoretical risk of pharmacodynamic interaction with serotonergic antidepressants. Avoid combining with MAOIs. Use caution with SSRIs due to potential additive serotonergic activity.
Toxicity
No established toxic oral dose in humans at therapeutic doses. Seed pods are considered toxic — only bark and flowers are used medicinally.
At therapeutic oral doses: excessive sedation with high doses or in sensitive individuals. Seed pod ingestion may cause toxicity (not used medicinally).
Discontinue if excessive sedation occurs. If seed pod ingestion is suspected, seek immediate medical care.
Adverse Effects
CYP Metabolism
No well-characterized CYP450 drug interactions have been documented for Albizia julibrissin in human studies. Theoretical concern for CYP modulation based on flavonoid content (quercetin is a known in vitro CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 inhibitor) but clinical significance at standard bark doses is uncertain. Caution with narrow-therapeutic-index CYP substrates.
swap_horiz Interactions
Diazepam
Class: Benzodiazepine
Julibroside C1 and total saponins of Albizia julibrissin bind the GABA_A receptor benzodiazepine site and produce sedative-hypnotic effects. Co-administration with diazepam produces additive CNS depression.
Avoid combination in the elderly and anyone operating machinery. If combined, start diazepam at the lowest effective dose and warn about increased sedation, impaired coordination, and falls. Consider discontinuing one agent.
Zolpidem
Class: Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug)
Albizia julibrissin total saponins and julibroside C1 bind GABA_A receptors at the benzodiazepine site, producing dose-dependent sedation. Zolpidem is a selective GABA_A α1 agonist; combined effects increase hypnotic potency and risk of complex sleep behaviors, next-day somnolence and falls.
Do not co-administer without explicit medical oversight. If combined in insomnia therapy, monitor for daytime somnolence, amnestic behaviors, and falls; consider reducing zolpidem to 5 mg or discontinuing albizia.
Sertraline
Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Two lignan glycosides (SAG, SBG) from Albizia julibrissin noncompetitively inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT) — the same target as SSRIs — and A. julibrissin flavonoids/saponins activate 5-HT1A receptors. Combined with sertraline, this could potentiate serotonergic tone and, in rare cases, contribute to serotonin syndrome.
Avoid or limit combination with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and triptans. If combined, start at low albizia dose; educate patients on serotonin syndrome symptoms (hyperthermia, agitation, clonus, diaphoresis) and consult a clinician promptly if these occur.
Alcohol (ethanol)
Class: CNS depressant
Albizia julibrissin bark and flower extracts enhance GABAergic neurotransmission and produce sedation. Alcohol is also a GABA_A positive modulator and CNS depressant. Concurrent use produces additive CNS depression, impaired psychomotor performance and respiratory depression at high doses.
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while using albizia, especially during evening dosing for insomnia. Warn about impaired driving and additive intoxication.
Phenelzine
Class: Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI antidepressant)
Ethanolic extracts of Albizia julibrissin inhibit serotonin transporter and methylene chloride fractions produce antidepressant-like effects via 5-HT1A modulation. Adding MAO inhibition (irreversible, non-selective) produces markedly elevated synaptic serotonin levels with risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
Contraindicated. Do not combine Albizia julibrissin with MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline at high doses). Allow a 2-week washout period between MAOI and initiation of albizia.
hub Combinations
Synergistic pairings can enhance therapeutic outcomes, while knowing suitable substitutes helps when specific herbs are unavailable or contraindicated.
Classical Formulas
1Sour Jujube Seed
Moderate EvidenceClassical TCM pairing (Suan Zao Ren Tang) for insomnia and palpitations from Heart and Liver Yin deficiency. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus spinosa) nourishes Heart Blood and calms the Shen, while Albizia bark relieves Liver Qi stagnation and emotional constraint. Together they address both deficiency and stagnation patterns of sleep disturbance.
Suan Zao Ren Tang has RCT evidence for insomnia; He Huan Pi commonly added to address emotional component. Both herbs are in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
Possible Substitutes
1Skullcap
Limited EvidenceSkullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) can be used as a Western alternative to Albizia for anxiety and insomnia where the Liver Qi stagnation pattern is less pronounced. Both herbs have GABAergic and anxiolytic mechanisms. Skullcap may be preferred when baicalin-mediated anti-inflammatory effects are additionally required.
Both herbs have preclinical anxiolytic evidence; Skullcap has one pilot human RCT for global mood enhancement.
Synergistic Combinations
2Passionflower
Limited EvidenceBoth Albizia and Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) share GABAergic mechanisms for anxiety and insomnia reduction. Albizia also adds serotonergic modulation and anti-inflammatory effects, while Passionflower provides stronger GABA-A receptor agonism. Their combination is used in Western integrative medicine for anxiety with insomnia.
Passionflower has RCT evidence for generalized anxiety. Mechanistically complementary combination; no direct combination RCTs available.
Rhodiola
Limited EvidenceRhodiola rosea is an adaptogen that regulates HPA axis stress response and has antidepressant effects via serotonin and dopamine modulation. Combined with Albizia, it addresses both the physiological stress component (Rhodiola) and the emotional/shen calming component (Albizia) in anxiety-depression presentations.
Rhodiola has multiple RCTs for fatigue, mild depression, and stress. Mechanistically complementary with Albizia; used together in adaptogenic formulas.
science Studies
Molecular basis and mechanism of action of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment and clinical application of its formulae
Systematic ReviewThis comprehensive review examined the molecular basis and clinical applications of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment, synthesizing preclinical mechanistic evidence and clinical formula use. Preclinical studies demonstrated antidepressant-like responses in animal models through modulation of the serotonergic system, inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT), upregulation of BDNF, and reduction of neuroinflammation. Several traditional Chinese medicine formulae containing A. julibrissin were documented as being used alongside conventional antidepressants such as duloxetine in clinical practice with complementary neurotransmitter effects. The authors emphasize that rigorous human clinical trials are urgently needed to validate the antidepressant potential of A. julibrissin extracts and optimize therapeutic formulations.
Effect of chronic Albizzia julibrissin treatment on 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors in rat brain
In VivoThis preclinical mechanistic study investigated the neurobiological basis of Albizia julibrissin anxiolytic activity using receptor autoradiography in rats treated orally for 7 days. The anxiolytic effect was fully blocked by the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635, confirming serotonergic involvement. Receptor binding studies showed increased 5-HT1A binding in the frontal cortex and hippocampus alongside reduced binding in the dorsal raphe. These findings identify the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor system as a primary molecular target of Albizia julibrissin anxiolytic mechanism, providing a strong pharmacological rationale for its traditional use in anxiety and mood disorders.
medication Dosing
No dosing information available.
Disclaimer: This information is largely AI-generated and reviewed by human experts at Evara Health. It is intended for educational and clinical reference purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
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