# Shirisha

> Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. [Albizia lebbeck suppresses histamine signaling by the inhibition of histamine H1 receptor and histidine decarboxylase gene transcriptions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21782040/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Mimosoideae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Classified as a Vishaghna (anti-toxic/anti-allergic) drug in Ayurvedic classical texts. No WHO monograph. Used in multiple Ayurvedic anti-allergic formulations.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shirisha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Catechin](/reference/catechin/)
- D-catechin
- Melacacidin
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Albiziahexoside
- Betulnic acid
- Echinocystic acid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- Lebbekosides A-C ([saponins](/reference/saponins/))
- [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) derivatives)

## How does it work?

- Anti-allergic activity via catechin-mediated mast cell stabilization (IC50 85 mcg/ml) and inhibition of [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine) release from IgE-sensitized mast cells
- Antihistaminic action through suppression of H1 receptor gene transcription and histidine decarboxylase enzyme activity in nasal mucosa
- Anti-inflammatory effects via saponin-mediated (echinocystic acid) inhibition of COX-2, LOX and NF-kB signaling
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) mechanism through modulation of unfolded protein response (UPR) and reduction of ER stress-induced apoptosis

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic use validated through mast cell stabilization, antihistaminic activity and clinical studies showing improved PEFR and reduced eosinophil count
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema and adjuvant arthritis models
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic) use supported by [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and detoxification studies
- Anti-diarrheal activity confirmed through castor oil-induced diarrhea models with significant reduction in frequency

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Nurul IM, Mizuguchi H, Shahriar M and others 2011. [Albizia lebbeck suppresses histamine signaling by the inhibition of histamine H1 receptor and histidine decarboxylase gene transcriptions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21782040/). *International immunopharmacology*. PMID [21782040](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21782040/) · [doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2011.07.003](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2011.07.003)  
  Demonstrated that bark extract suppresses allergic responses at the transcriptional level by inhibiting H1R and HDC mRNA expression and reducing histamine content in nasal mucosa.
- Phoraksa O, Chimkerd C, Thiyajai P and others 2023. [Neuroprotective Effects of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Leaf Extract against Glutamate-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Microglial Cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513900/). *Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [37513900](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513900/) · [doi:10.3390/ph16070989](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16070989)  
  Leaf extract protected human microglial cells from glutamate-induced ER stress and apoptosis through modulation of UPR signaling pathway, suggesting novel neuroprotective applications.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Bark decoction is clinically used in Ayurvedic practice for bronchial asthma with established safety at standard doses
- Saponin-rich preparations may cause GI irritation at high doses; seed powder should be used with caution. Not recommended during pregnancy without supervision.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Catechin
- Sitosterol
- Glycosides
- Saponins
- Friedelin
- Lupeol
- Tannins
- Flavonoids

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha (confection), Taila (medicated oil), Nasya (nasal drops), Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; 2-4 drops nasya oil per nostril

**Bioavailability:** Saponins (albizia saponins) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Flavonoids and tannins have typical moderate absorption (25-35%). Histamine-releasing compounds are locally active. Nasya administration provides direct CNS access via olfactory neural pathway — important for anti-allergic and Medhya (cognitive) applications.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for anti-allergic action; nasya in morning on empty stomach after facial steaming; avaleha with honey for respiratory conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (8:1 in 60% ethanol), standardized to NLT 6% total saponins (as oleanolic acid equivalents by HPLC-ELSD); total flavonoids NLT 2% (as catechin equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna and capsules; 18 months for avaleha; 24 months for nasya oil

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture. Nasya oil in amber glass dropper bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Albizia saponin C, Albizia saponin D, Melacacidin, D-catechin, Friedelin, Beta-sitosterol, Echinocystic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) for nasya preparation
- Soxhlet extraction for saponin enrichment
- Traditional avaleha preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (potent anti-allergic synergy — Shirisha-Haridra combination for allergic rhinitis)
- [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (asthma and respiratory allergy formulations)
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Shvasa-Kasa formulations)
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic combination)
- [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) (comprehensive anti-asthma formulation)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shirisha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.