Magnolia bark is a popular herb used for gut health and stress-induced anxiety. It comes from the Magnolia tree famous for its large, dramatic flowers.
The bark of the magnolia tree has been used for thousands of years in both traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. In both cultures, it has been used to encourage sleep, reduce inflammation, and support nervous disorders.
Modern research shows that magnolia bark and its isolated phytochemicals may be helpful for gastrointestinal issues, troubles with sleep, anxiety, and cancer.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of magnolia bark, its safety, and its history.
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What Is Magnolia Bark?
Magnolia bark is the bark of the Magnolia tree which is part of the Magnoliaceae family. The magnolia is a deciduous tree that has multiple species that are native to eastern Asia, as well as the Americas.
Different species of magnolia include:
- Magnolia acuminata
- Magnolia denudate
- Magnolia obovata
- Magnolia officinalis (the most common varietal)
Between species, the flowers vary in shape, color, and smell, however, the bark can be interchangeably used in medicine.
Magnolia bark has a sedative effect on the body and has been used to promote sleep and ease anxiety. It is also commonly used to support gastrointestinal health.
Modern research shows that magnolia bark has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stress, and weight-reducing effects. These various health benefits are attributed to magnolol and honokiol, two phenolic compounds present in magnolia bark.
Magnolia bark is a well-researched herb, however, not many human trials are available. Many of its traditional uses have been scientifically tested (via animal and in vitro trials) and show promising results.
Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark:
Below are the top researched-backed magnolia bark benefits for health.
1. May Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Magnolia bark benefits the body through its ability to reduce anxiety, lower cortisol, and naturally regulate stress.
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that affects mood and behavior and is often brought on by increased stress. Anxiety also has a tendency to disrupt gut health.
In a 2022 study, a supplement containing magnolia bark and phellodendron bark (Phellodendron amurense) was used to reduce stress and cortisol levels in 56 moderately-stressed participants. The herb combination reduced salivary cortisol, a marker of stress, by 18% in comparison to the placebo. The blend also improved the mood of the participants receiving the supplement.
Another study using the same magnolia/phellodendron blend found that it reduced anxiety levels in premenopausal female adults. It should be noted that while anxiety was temporarily reduced, there was no long-term effect after participants stopped using the blend.
In an animal trial, researchers used an isolated active constituent of magnolia bark, honokiol, to test its anxiolytic effects on stressed mice. Honokiol was found to reduce anxiety levels in the mice without slowing down motor functions.
An animal study utilizing Magnolia officinalis bark extract proved to reduce anxiety while having a neuroprotective effect. The extract was able to regulate protein levels in the brain that are indicative of anxious behavior. Researchers noted that the extract was enriched with one of magnolia bark’s active constituents, honokiol.
In a mouse study, honokiol proved to elicit the anxiolytic effect in Hange-koboku-to and Saiboku-to, two medicines used in traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo (traditional Japanese medicine). Researchers ensured that there was a steady dose of honokiol throughout the study (while the other ingredients varied) in order to confirm their hypothesis.
Summary:
Research indicates that magnolia benefits the body by helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Large scale trials are needed to verify these effects.
2. May Improve Weight Loss
The benefits of magnolia bark have been shown to help support weight loss through stress reduction and management.
In a clinical trial involving healthy, overweight, premenopausal women, Magnolia officinalis extract (MOE) demonstrated a weight loss effect on those that overate when they were stressed. Researchers found that MOE reduced evening cortisol levels, a stress marker, which led to a decrease in nighttime snacking.
A recent study demonstrated that a magnolia/phellodendron bark supplement reduced stress-related eating in 56 moderately-stressed participants. As a result, participants who took 500mg/day (250mg in the morning, and 250mg in the evening) saw an improvement in weight loss.
Summary:
Early research suggests that magnolia bark may support weight loss. Large scale clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
3. May Support Gut Health
Magnolia bark benefits gut health and healthy digestion.
The health of the digestive system is important because it controls how your body processes and eliminates the food that you consume.
In a recent animal study, Magnolia officinalis extract improved and normalized levels of gut bacteria in mice. Balanced bacteria in the gut promotes healthy digestion, as well as improved mental health. The extract also made the mouse’s fur glossier and improved bowel movement regularity.
An animal study focusing on magnol