Evidence shows that Albizia julibrissin (mimosa) is an effective treatment for mood disorders. However, other species of Albizia may also possess mood elevating properties. For example, evidence suggests that Albizia lebbeck is also able to confer mood elevating properties on those who consume it. One group of researchers investigated the mood elevating effects of Albizia lebbeck by administering leaf extracts to mice. The mice were then exposed to experimental stress. The results of the study showed that animals receiving the Albizia lebbeck leaf extracts displayed significantly less anxious behaviour compared to control animals. The researchers then assessed the possible neurochemical effects of the Albizia leaf extracts and determined that the extract was likely having an effect on the GABA neurotransmitter system in the brains of the mice, possibly because of the presence of saponins in the leaf extracts. There was also no evidence of sedation in the animals at the doses of extracts they were administered.
A certain degree of variance in phytochemical constituents between the different Albizia species has been reported. For example, levels of saponins, terpenes, alkaloids and flavonoids may differ between the different Albizia species. In this regard Albizia Julibrissin may have slightly different neurochemical effects compared to Albizia lebbeck due to variation in the phytochemicals present in the tissues. The leaves of Albizia lebbeck have been shown to be rich in the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which may explain the ability of leaf extracts to interact with GABA receptors, and may explain the high antioxidant potential of such extracts. Bark extract of Albizia lebbeck have also been shown to contain three saponins named albiziasaponins A, B and C.
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