Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Albizia lebbeck:- Albizia lebbeck is a versatile and medicinally valuable tree that offers numerous health benefits, especially in traditional medicine systems. Its ability to treat a wide range of ailments, from inflammation to infections, makes it an important plant in herbal medicine, particularly in tropical regions.
Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Genus: Albizia
Species: Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
Common Name:
• English: Lebbeck Tree, Shamee Tree, Woman’s Tongue Tree
• Malayalam: നെന്മേനിവാക ( Nenmeni vaaga)
• Tamil: வாகை Vagai
Synonyms:
• Mimosa lebbeck L.
• Albizia odoratissima (Benth.) Brandis
• Mimosa odoratissima Benth.
Habitat:
o Native to tropical Asia, Albizia lebbeck is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.
o It thrives in dry, deciduous forests, open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Medicinal Uses of Albizia lebbeck:
Albizia lebbeck has a long history of use in traditional medicine across India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Its medicinal properties are attributed to various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, seeds, and flowers. Some of its common uses include:
1. Anti-inflammatory:
o The bark and leaves of Albizia lebbeck are used to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
2. Antioxidant:
o The plant has antioxidant properties, which help in neutralizing free radicals in the body and preventing oxidative stress.
3. Antimicrobial:
o Extracts from the bark and seeds are used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. They have shown activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli.
4. Sedative and Anti-stress:
o The leaves, bark, and flowers are used in traditional medicine as a sedative to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. They have mild tranquilizing effects.
5. Wound Healing: The tree’s bark is used in poultices to promote the healing of wounds, cuts, and sores. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that aid in recovery.
6. Anti-diabetic: Some studies suggest that Albizia lebbeck has hypoglycemic effects and may help in managing blood sugar levels, making it useful in treating diabetes.
7. Digestive Aid: The bark and leaves are used as a remedy for digestive issues, including dysentery, diarrhea, and indigestion.
8. Respiratory Health:The tree’s extracts are used in treating coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders. The tree’s flowers and bark are sometimes boiled and taken as a decoction for lung health.
9. Anthelmintic:The seeds of Albizia lebbeck are considered an effective treatment for intestinal worms and other parasitic infections.