* Dr.Gajendra kumar sharma, **  Dr. Nishtha Dubey

Abstract

Hebs in Ayurveda have created interest among the people by clinically proven various effects. Also the overuse of synthetic drugs, which results in higher incidence of adverse reaction,has motivated humans to return to nature for safer remedies. In this review we have taken  Albizia lebbeck which is an important medicinal tree found in Asia.

Name of the Plant: Albizzia lebbeck (Linn.) Benth, The genus Albizzia commonly known as Shirish belongs to family Mimosaceae.

The present study evaluates the composition and therapeutic effects  of A. lebbeck plant. Use of Shirish has been comprehensively recommended to remove toxins from the body. It has also been used in the treatment of respiratory problems like bronchial asthma and seasonal cough and cold. Kwath (herbal tea) made from bark of Shirish is indicated for asthmatics as it helps to control the frequency and intensity of the dyspnoea due to asthmatic attacks. In Ayurveda its use in allergic skin conditions, allergic cough and seasonal cold is indicated to get relief. Researches of recent past have also reported anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-anaphylactic, anti-asthmatic, anti-microbial properties of the plant. Saponins isolated from the methanolic extract of bark and pod of Albizia lebbeck Benth. have found to possess anti-spermatogenic effect.Some uses given in PI vol III are – Pama, Kushtha, kandu, visarapa, kasa, vrana, shotha, svaas, mushak vish, shit pitta, rakta dushti, vishamjwara, sarpdansh, vishadushti, suryavart, ardhaavbhedak, netrabhishyanda.

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