Albizia Lebbeck Bark Extract
Also known as: Lebbeck, Siris tree, Woman's tongue tree, Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., Albizia lebbeck
Overview
Albizia lebbeck bark extract is derived from the bark of a deciduous tree traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. It is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, and glycosides. The extract is primarily investigated for its potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. Current research is predominantly at a preclinical stage, involving in vitro and animal studies, with limited or no rigorous human clinical trials. The evidence quality is considered moderate, as it largely relies on biochemical assays and animal models rather than large-scale human studies, indicating a need for further validation.
Benefits
Albizia lebbeck bark extract shows promising benefits based on preclinical research. It exhibits significant antidiabetic potential by inhibiting α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ ~305.52 µg/mL) and moderately inhibiting DPP-4 (~43% at 100 µg/mL), suggesting it could help reduce postprandial glucose spikes and improve glycemic control. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects have been observed in animal models, where alcoholic bark extracts reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema comparable to diclofenac. The extract also demonstrates antiallergic properties by stabilizing mast cells and downregulating histamine receptor mRNA in rat models and cell lines. Furthermore, it possesses antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including *Candida albicans* and *Escherichia coli*, with MICs as low as 32 µg/mL for some compounds. High total phenolic content (329.53 mg GAE/g extract) supports its antioxidant potential, which may contribute to its overall pharmacological effects. Other reported activities, such as anticancer, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, wound healing, and antiparasitic effects, require further validation.
How it works
Albizia lebbeck bark extract exerts its effects through several mechanisms. For its antidiabetic action, it inhibits key enzymes like α-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates, and DPP-4, which degrades incretin hormones, thereby helping to regulate blood glucose levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties are likely due to the modulation of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, possibly through its flavonoid and tannin content, leading to reduced edema and pain. The antiallergic effects involve stabilizing mast cells and modulating histamine release and receptor expression, which helps to alleviate allergic symptoms. The antimicrobial activity is attributed to active phytochemicals that disrupt microbial growth. Specific pharmacokinetic data are not well characterized, and bioavailability may vary depending on the extract preparation and compound solubility.
Side effects
While no significant toxicity has been reported in preclinical studies at tested doses, comprehensive human safety data for Albizia lebbeck bark extract are currently lacking. Common side effects are not well documented, though traditional use suggests low acute toxicity. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with antidiabetic medications, due to the extract's enzyme inhibition properties; therefore, caution is advised for individuals on such treatments. Contraindications are not yet established, but pregnant or lactating women and individuals with known allergies to plants in the Fabaceae family should exercise caution. There is no specific safety data available for special populations, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its safety profile in humans.
Dosage
There is no standardized human dosing established for Albizia lebbeck bark extract due to the lack of sufficient human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized doses such as 200 mg/kg orally for antiallergic effects. The effective dosage in humans is likely to vary significantly based on the specific extract preparation, its concentration of active compounds, and the intended therapeutic purpose. Currently, typical research doses are based on crude extract weight or quantification of specific active compounds. Further rigorous human clinical research is essential to define the minimum effective dose, maximum safe dose, and appropriate timing considerations for human consumption, as well as to understand how different forms and absorption factors might influence efficacy and safety.
FAQs
Is Albizia lebbeck bark extract safe for diabetes management?
Preclinical data suggest potential benefits for diabetes, but human trials are needed to confirm both safety and efficacy before it can be recommended for diabetes management.
How quickly might benefits appear?
Animal studies show effects within hours to days, but the timeline for observable benefits in humans is currently unknown and requires further research.
Can it replace conventional medications?
No, it cannot replace conventional medications. It may serve as a complementary therapy, but only after further evidence establishes its efficacy and safety.
Are there known allergies?
Allergies are possible in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to plants in the Fabaceae family, though widespread reports are not available.
Research Sources
- https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/6817 – This in vitro study investigated the enzymatic inhibitory effects of Albizia lebbeck bark extract. It found significant α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀=305.52 µg/mL) and moderate DPP-4 inhibition, suggesting potential antidiabetic properties. The study provides biochemical evidence but lacks in vivo or clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9050289/ – This review and animal study compilation explores various pharmacological activities of Albizia lebbeck, including antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects observed in preclinical models. While comprehensive, it highlights that most findings are from preclinical research and emphasizes the absence of human randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.jocpr.com/articles/phytochemical-and-biological-study-of-albizia-lebbeck-stem-bark.pdf – This animal study, conducted on rats, demonstrated that Albizia lebbeck bark extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The observed effects were comparable to diclofenac in an acute model, suggesting its potential in pain and inflammation management, though it involved a small sample size.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9369593/ – This in vitro study investigated the antimicrobial activity of Albizia lebbeck extracts and isolated compounds. It reported potent activity against various fungi and bacteria, including Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, indicating its potential as a source of antimicrobial agents, but clinical data are absent.
