Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Shirisha

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

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 nameAlbizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
FamilyFabaceae (Mimosoideae) · other entries in this family
OrderFabales
Pharmacopoeia statusListed 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.
Taxon identifiersGBIF 2973215 · Wikidata Q2717846 · NCBI Taxonomy 371650

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishShirisha
Latin/BotanicalAlbizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

How does it work?

  • Anti-allergic activity via catechin-mediated mast cell stabilization (IC50 85 mcg/ml) and inhibition of 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 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 and detoxification studies
  • Anti-diarrheal activity confirmed through castor oil-induced diarrhea models with significant reduction in frequency

What do recent clinical trials show?

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 for nasya preparation
  • Soxhlet extraction for saponin enrichment
  • Traditional avaleha preparation

Synergistic Combinations

  • Haridra (potent anti-allergic synergy — Shirisha-Haridra combination for allergic rhinitis)
  • Vasa (asthma and respiratory allergy formulations)
  • Pippali (Shvasa-Kasa formulations)
  • Yashtimadhu (anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic combination)
  • Kantakari (comprehensive anti-asthma formulation)

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews2

  1. Siyal AA, Saphira Radin Mohamed RM, Ahmad F and others. 2025. A review of the developments in adsorbents for the efficient adsorption of ibuprofen from wastewaterRSC advances. PMID 40453119 · doi:10.1039/d5ra02007g
  2. Balkrishna A, Sakshi, Chauhan M and others. 2022. A Comprehensive Insight into the Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potential, and Traditional Medicinal Uses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) BenthEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 35497931 · doi:10.1155/2022/5359669

Laboratory and animal studies10

  1. Gull S, Ejaz S, Ali S and others. 2024. A novel edible coating based on Albizia [Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.] gum delays softening and maintains quality of harvested guava fruits during storageInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 39067721 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134096
  2. Arunachalam B, Natarajan HP, Satheesan A and others. 2024. Yield model and yield table construction in Albizia (Albizia lebbeck (L.) under the western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu, Southern IndiaEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 37707729 · doi:10.1007/s11356-023-29716-x
  3. 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 CellsPharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37513900 · doi:10.3390/ph16070989
  4. Rajamohan S, Chidambaresh S, Sundarrajan H and others. 2023. Investigation of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of Albizia lebbeck seed pods using thermogravimetric analysisBioresource technology. PMID 37321307 · doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129333
  5. Tasneem R, Khan HMS, Zaka HS and others. 2022. Development and cosmeceutical evaluation of topical emulgel containing Albizia lebbeck bark extractJournal of cosmetic dermatology. PMID 34021684 · doi:10.1111/jocd.14244
  6. Azam S, Latif A, Hussain K and others. 2022. Anti-diabetic and anti-lipidepmic effect of Albizia lebbeck seeds against HepG2 cellsPakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 35791478
  7. Leutcha BP, Dzoyem JP, Jouda JB and others. 2022. Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Constituents from the Fruit of Albizia lebbeck L. Benth (Fabaceae)Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35956773 · doi:10.3390/molecules27154823
  8. Avoseh ON, Mtunzi FM, Ogunwande IA and others. 2021. Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia volatile oils exhibit anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in pain modelsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33301915 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113676
  9. Kavaz D, Abubakar AL, Rizaner N and others. 2021. Biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles Using Albizia lebbeck Extract Induced Biochemical and Morphological Alterations in Wistar RatsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34202852 · doi:10.3390/molecules26133864
  10. 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 transcriptionsInternational immunopharmacology. PMID 21782040 · doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2011.07.003

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