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Limited evidenceSleep & relaxation

Albizia (Mimosa Bark)

Known in Chinese medicine as the 'collective happiness bark' and used for low mood and disturbed sleep. The pharmacological literature is entirely preclinical — no randomised trial in humans has been published.

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What the science says

  • Antidepressant-like activity Limited evidence

    A review of the molecular basis of Albizia julibrissin in depression describes consistent antidepressant-like effects in rodent behavioural models, with proposed serotonergic and neurotrophic mechanisms. Human clinical data are limited to traditional multi-herb formulas rather than controlled trials of the bark itself.

  • Sedative and anxiolytic effects Limited evidence

    A pharmacological review of substances derived from Albizia julibrissin summarises sedative, anxiolytic and neuroprotective activity attributed to its saponins and flavonoids, all demonstrated in cell and animal systems. No sleep outcome has been measured in people.

  • Bark versus flower preparations Limited evidence

    A comparative review of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark notes that the two parts have overlapping but distinct constituent profiles and traditional indications. Products sold as 'mimosa bark' may not match the material used in any given study.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo trial-based dose exists. Traditional decoction use is 6–15 g of dried bark per day within a formula; extract capsules typically list 500–1000 mg.
SafetyHuman safety data are essentially absent. Albizia julibrissin seeds and bark contain saponins that can irritate the gut, and related Albizia species contain toxic compounds, so correct species identity matters. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Given the claimed serotonergic activity, use caution alongside antidepressants and do not treat it as a substitute for treatment of depression.

How to take it

TimingEvening, following its traditional use as a calming herb; no schedule has been tested.
With food?With food - the bark's saponins irritate the gut on an empty stomach.
Worth knowingSpecies identity matters more than usual here: Albizia julibrissin is the one used traditionally, and several related Albizia species contain genuinely toxic compounds.

Interactions

With medications

  • SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and other antidepressants

    Albizia is claimed to have serotonergic activity, and the combination has never been characterised. do not add it to prescribed antidepressant treatment without your prescriber's agreement, and never as a substitute for it

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does albizia (mimosa bark) help depression?

The evidence is limited to rodent studies showing antidepressant-like effects; no randomised trial of albizia bark in people has been published, so it is not a substitute for depression treatment.

Does mimosa bark help you sleep?

Albizia (mimosa bark) shows sedative and calming activity in cell and animal studies, but no sleep outcome has ever been measured in people, so the evidence is limited.

Can I take albizia with antidepressants?

Do not add albizia bark to SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or other antidepressants without your prescriber's agreement: it is claimed to have serotonergic activity and the combination has never been characterised. Human safety data are essentially absent, and it should be avoided in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Related in Sleep & relaxation

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)