Shirisha: Evidence, Uses & Safety

TL;DR

Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck bark) is Ayurveda's vishaghna (anti-poison) and respiratory herb. One open, uncontrolled study gave bark decoction (50 ml thrice daily, 6 weeks) to 81 asthma patients and reported improved peak flow and lower eosinophil counts: but 31 dropped out and there was no control group. Animal studies show mast-cell stabilization. No RCTs exist.

(56 words. Sources: Kumar et al. 2010, open clinical study; IJAHM review; Tripathi & Das 1977, animal.)

What it is

Shirisha is the stem bark of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., a large deciduous tree of the family Fabaceae (subfamily Mimosoideae). In Ayurvedic materia medica it is the classical vishaghna, anti-poison, drug, and bark, flowers, leaves, and seeds are all used in different preparations (IJAHM review). Phytochemical work identifies saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and related compounds in the bark and leaves (IJRAR review, 2022; IJAHM review).

Traditional use

Classical Ayurveda classifies shirisha as vishaghna (countering poisoning), kushtaghna (useful in skin diseases), and shothahara (relieving inflammation), and its bark decoction is the preparation traditionally used for Tamak Shwasa (bronchial asthma) (WJPR review, 2025; Kumar et al., 2010). Traditional practice also uses preparations of the flower for poisoning and insect bites (WJPR review, 2025). These are traditional claims, not clinical proof: the human evidence is assessed separately below. (Nothing here replaces emergency care for poisoning or bites; seek immediate medical help.)

What modern research says

Asthma — one open, uncontrolled clinical study

The only human study found is an open clinical study by Kumar et al. (International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, 2010). Eighty-one patients with bronchial asthma received Shireesh Twak Kwatha, stem-bark decoction of Albizia lebbeck, 50 ml three times daily for 6 weeks, alongside a light diet. The study reported a significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate and significant decreases in total leukocyte count, eosinophil count, and ESR. 56% of patients showed a "good" response, 38% "fair," and 6% "poor": but 31 of the 81 patients dropped out, and there was no control group, no blinding, and no randomization (Kumar et al., 2010). This is a preliminary signal from a weak design, not proof of efficacy.

Allergy and anaphylaxis — animal studies

The decoction of the bark and flower was studied for anti-asthmatic and anti-anaphylactic activity in experimental models (Tripathi et al., 1977); in guinea pigs, bark decoction protected against histamine-induced bronchospasm (IJAHM review). A standardized bark extract has shown antiallergic and mast-cell-stabilizing activity in experimental studies (IJRAR review, 2022). All of this is animal and laboratory work: supportive of the traditional rationale, but not human evidence.

Evidence gaps

No randomized, placebo-controlled trial of shirisha, for asthma, allergy, skin disease, or poisoning, was found. Claims that it treats allergies or asthma in humans rest on one uncontrolled study and animal data.

Dosage

The only trial-based dose in the cited sources is from Kumar et al. 2010: **50 ml of stem-bark decoction (Shireesh Twak Kwatha) three times daily for 6 weeks**: a research dose in an uncontrolled study, not a personal recommendation. No pharmacopoeial dose is stated in the cited sources.

Safety & contraindications

FAQs

What is shirisha?

The stem bark of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., a deciduous tree of the Fabaceae family, and Ayurveda's classical vishaghna (anti-poison) drug (WJPR review, 2025).

Is shirisha used for poisoning?

Classical Ayurveda classifies it as vishaghna and describes its use in poisoning and insect bites: but this is traditional classification, not clinical evidence. Acute poisoning or bites need immediate emergency medical care, not herbal preparations.

Does shirisha help asthma?

Possibly, but unproven. One open, uncontrolled study of bark decoction in 81 asthma patients reported improved peak flow and lower eosinophil counts, with 31 dropouts and no control group (Kumar et al., 2010). No RCT exists.

What dose of shirisha was studied?

50 ml of stem-bark decoction three times daily for 6 weeks (Kumar et al. 2010): a research dose in an uncontrolled study, not a recommendation (Kumar et al., 2010).

Is shirisha safe?

Human safety data are limited to one small open study with no dedicated safety assessment; dedicated toxicity studies were not found. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Herbal products can interact with medications and are not suitable for everyone. Talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner before use — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a medical condition, or taking prescription medicines.