Albizia Bark

Albizia Bark Product Introduction

Albizia Bark is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the bark of the Albizia tree. Its main components include flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. Albizia Bark has a bitter and cold nature, and it enters the Heart, Liver, and Stomach meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, Albizia Bark is widely used for clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, soothing the liver, relieving depression, and calming the spirit. It is commonly used for conditions such as irritability, insomnia, red and swollen eyes, and delirium caused by heat illness. Albizia Bark has a long history and wide application in Chinese medicine, making it one of the frequently used medicinal herbs.

Main Active Ingredients of Albizia Bark

Albizia Bark is an important medicinal material, with its main active ingredients including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. These ingredients contribute to its various pharmacological effects and clinical applications.

1. Flavonoids: Albizia Bark is rich in flavonoid compounds like paeoniflorin and quercetin, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, helping to improve the immune function and disease resistance of the body.

2. Flavonoid Glycosides: The bark contains various flavonoid glycosides such as albiziaside and quercetin-7-glucoside, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and blood sugar-regulating effects. These properties provide preventive and supplementary treatment benefits for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

3. Tannins: Albizia Bark is rich in tannins, which have astringent and hemostatic properties. They can be used to treat conditions such as diarrhea and rectal bleeding.

4. Triterpenoids: The bark contains various triterpenoid compounds, including albiziasaponins, which have sedative, liver-soothing, cholesterol-lowering, and antibacterial effects. These properties make it useful for treating symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and high cholesterol.

5. Volatile Oils: Albizia Bark also contains volatile oils, which have insect-repellent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These oils can be used for treating intestinal parasitic infections and respiratory tract infections.

These active ingredients give Albizia Bark its diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sedative, lipid-lowering, blood sugar-lowering, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it is widely used in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices.

Applications and Dosage of Albizia Bark

Albizia Bark, as an important traditional Chinese medicine, has a wide range of applications and dosage recommendations. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to treat diseases affecting the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Here are the primary applications and dosage recommendations in both Chinese medicine and food industries:

1. Sedative and Calming: Albizia Bark has sedative and calming effects, making it useful for treating insomnia, anxiety, and neurasthenia. The common method is to decoct 10 grams of Albizia Bark in water and drink it as a medicinal tea or infusion.

2. Regulate Blood Lipids: Rich in flavonoids, Albizia Bark helps lower blood lipids and can prevent and assist in treating hyperlipidemia. The common dosage is 10-15 grams per dose, 2-3 times a day.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial: Albizia Bark has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, making it useful for treating colds, pharyngitis, and intestinal infections. The typical dosage is 10-15 grams, taken 2-3 times daily.

4. Astringent and Stops Diarrhea: Albizia Bark contains tannins, which help stop diarrhea and rectal bleeding. The recommended dosage is 10-15 grams per decoction, 2-3 times daily.

5. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Albizia Bark is useful for treating heat-induced illnesses like fever and flu. The common dosage is 10-15 grams per decoction, taken 2-3 times daily.

6. Parasite Repellent: Albizia Bark contains volatile oils that help repel parasites, useful in treating intestinal parasitic diseases. The common dosage is 10-15 grams per decoction, 2-3 times daily.

In the food industry, Albizia Bark is also used as a flavoring agent in dishes such as congee, soups, and teas, to enhance the taste and nutritional value. The amount used in food depends on the specific recipe, but it is generally recommended to use it in moderation.

Albizia Tree Overview, Distribution, and Growing Environment

Albizia Bark, scientifically known as *Albiziae Cortex*, is a common medicinal material sourced from the bark of the Albizia tree. Below is a detailed introduction to the source plant, its distribution, and growing environment:

1. Botanical Characteristics: The Albizia tree (*Albizia julibrissin Durazz.*), a member of the legume family, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15-20 meters tall. The bark is gray-brown and splits into irregular flakes.

2. Distribution: Native to Asia, the Albizia tree is primarily found in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and India, and it is commonly found in southern China and Southeast Asia.

3. Growing Environment: The Albizia tree thrives in warm, humid climates, and while it has strong adaptability, it is less tolerant of cold. It typically grows at altitudes below 500 meters, on hillsides, in valleys, near streams, villages, and cultivated fields. The tree is not particular about soil but prefers moist, well-drained conditions and can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it does not tolerate salty or alkaline soils.

4. Growth Habits: The Albizia tree grows rapidly, with a straight trunk and dense branches, forming a beautiful umbrella-shaped canopy. It can grow in both partial shade and full sunlight, although it prefers moist soil.

5. Reproduction: The Albizia tree can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or root division. Seeds are typically sown in spring, while cuttings can be taken in either spring or autumn. The tree is highly vigorous and capable of rapid reproduction.

6. Main Production Areas: In China, Albizia trees are mainly found in the southern provinces, such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Hunan, with Guangdong and Guangxi being the primary production areas.

7. Bark Harvesting: Albizia tree bark is the main medicinal part. To harvest, mature trees with thick trunks are selected, and the bark is carefully peeled off. After harvesting, the bark is air-dried until the moisture content is suitable for use.

8. Harvesting Season: Albizia trees are perennial, and the optimal harvesting period is during the spring to summer growing season when the medicinal components in the bark are at their highest levels.

In conclusion, Albizia Bark, derived from the Albizia tree, is a vital traditional Chinese medicine herb with extensive applications. It grows rapidly and thrives in warm, moist environments, particularly in southern China and Southeast Asia.

Albizia Bark Harvesting, Processing, and Storage

Harvesting, processing, and proper storage of Albizia Bark are essential for maintaining its medicinal potency and quality. Below is a detailed guide to the harvesting, processing, and storage of Albizia Bark:

1. Harvesting Time: The best time to harvest Albizia Bark is during the spring to summer growing season, as the bark's medicinal components are most concentrated at this time.

2. Harvesting Method: The bark is harvested from mature Albizia trees, with care taken to avoid damaging the tree. Tools are used to peel the bark off the trunk.

3. Drying Process: After harvesting, the bark is air-dried to reduce moisture content and prevent mold growth. It should be spread evenly in a dry, well-ventilated area, avoiding excessive drying or direct sunlight.

4. Cutting: After drying, Albizia Bark can be cut into strips or smaller pieces for easier storage and use.

5. Storage Containers: Albizia Bark should be stored in dry, well-ventilated containers, such as sealed bags or glass jars, to protect it from moisture and insects.

6. Storage Conditions: The storage area should be dry, cool, and well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight

Monica Sun

Monica Sun is a seasoned expert in the natural raw materials industry, with over a decade of experience specializing in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, spices, and fungi. She is skilled in the sourcing, processing, and application of these materials, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Monica Sun has contributed to the development of high-quality natural raw materials that serve as essential components in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, delivering tailored solutions to meet diverse market needs.