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Magnolia Bark Research
Mostly mechanism / observational
12 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
Most Magnolia Bark studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2006–2025 with a typical study size of 634 participants.
Based on 12 studies · 3 RCTs · 690 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
What the studies found
2helped· 10 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Anxiety & stressPlausible calming via GABA, but no human anxiety trials · 30-60 minutes
Mostly mechanism / observational8 studies
Inflammation
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Depression & moodLower cortisol and improved mood in one small blend RCT · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Women's healthTested only within multi-ingredient menopause blends, not magnolia alone · 4-8 weeks
There are also no recommendations regarding their effective or safe doses for prophylaxis and the treatment of CVDs.
Olas B · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
In addition, there is no clinical evidence for the absorption and bioavailability of M. officinalis extracts and their main bioactive compounds in humans.
Moreover, there are no studies simultaneously comparing the activity of magnolol and honokiol.
It provides the mechanisms of action revealed in experimental studies of active ingredients isolated from herbal antidepressants and presents the results of selected clinical studies confirming their antidepressant effectiveness.
Dobrek L et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
Moreover, it is noteworthy that the anti-inflammatory effect is also important to the antidepressant activity of the plants mentioned above in light of the hypothesis that immunological disorders of the CNS are a significant pathogenetic factor of depression.
This narrative review results from a traditional, non-systematic literature review.
It briefly discusses the pathophysiology, symptomatology and treatment of depression, with a particular focus on the role of phytopharmacology in its treatment.
After careful analysis of many scientific articles, it can be concluded that this lignan is a promising agent supporting the conventional therapies with antidiabetic drugs in order to manage diabetes and diabetes-related diseases.
Szałabska-Rąpała K et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2021)
Magnolol, a polyphenolic compound found in magnolia bark, is known for its health-promoting activities and multidirectional beneficial effects on the body.
Accordingly, the goal of this review is to systematize the available scientific literature on its beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Taking the above into consideration, the article collects data on the favorable effects of magnolol on parameters related to glycemia, lipid metabolism, or oxidative stress in the course of diabetes.
The present review aims to summarize the literature on M. officinalis bark composition, utilisation, pharmacology, and safety.
Poivre M et al. · Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B (2017)
Much pharmacological activity has been reported for this herb and its major compounds, notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antispasmodic effects.
However, the mechanisms underlying this have not been elucidated and only a very few clinical trials have been published.
In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies have also been published and indicate some intriguing features.
The aim of this review is to present a systematic overview of bioactive constituents in Magnolia bark that induce the prevention of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and diabetic complications, including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney.
Zhao X et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2016)
Oxidative stress and inflammation have been recognized as important contributors for the development of many diabetic complications, such as diabetic nephropathy, hepatopathy, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Several studies have established the anti-inflammatory and oxidative roles of bioactive constituents in Magnolia bark, which has been widely used in the traditional herbal medicines in Chinese society.
These findings have attracted various scientists to investigate the effect of bioactive constituents in Magnolia bark on diabetic complications.
In conclusion, over the recent years different food safety authorities evaluated magnolol and honokiol and considered them safe.Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
Sarrica A et al. · Planta medica (2018)
Similar to other dietary polyphenols, magnolol and honokiol are subject to glucuronidation, and despite a relatively quick clearance, an interaction with pharmaceutical active principles or other herbal constituents cannot be excluded.
However, intervention trials employing concentrated MBE for up to 1 y did not report adverse effects.
In conclusion, over the recent years different food safety authorities evaluated magnolol and honokiol and considered them safe.Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
8Menopause symptom reductionRCTCited 11×n=634 · large study2011
Isoflavones are effective in improving the classical menopause symptoms.
Agosta C et al. · Minerva ginecologica (2011)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
In 91 gynecological centers, 634 women were treated (300 with E and 334 with ES), mean age 53.1 years and Body Mass Index (BMI) 25.2 kg/m2; 28% were past hormone replacement therapy HRT users and 3.3% had had a previous breast cancer.
Both treatments significantly reduced versus baseline the symptoms tested at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks.
Woman's well-being and physician's final judgment were positive in >70% in both groups.
9Cortisol reduction and mood improvementRCTn=56 · small study2013
After 4 weeks of supplementation, salivary cortisol exposure was significantly (p<0.05) lower (-18%) in the Relora group compared to Placebo.
Talbott SM et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2013)
After 4 weeks of supplementation, salivary cortisol exposure was significantly (p<0.05) lower (-18%) in the Relora group compared to Placebo.
Compared to Placebo, the Relora group had significantly better (p<0.05) mood state parameters, including lower indices of Overall Stress (-11%), Tension (-13%), Depression (-20%), Anger (-42%), Fatigue (-31%), and Confusion (-27%).
Magnolia/Phellodendron combination reduced cortisol exposure and perceived stress in moderately stressed subjects.
The controlled study showed the efficacy of Magnolia extract and magnesium on psycho-affective and sleep disturbances in menopause, in addition to the effects of isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms.
Mucci M et al. · Minerva ginecologica (2006)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Flushing, nocturnal sweating, palpitations, insomnia, asthenia, anxiety, mood depression, irritability, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and libido loss, significantly decreased in severity and frequency during ES versus Ca+D treatment even since the fourth week.
Woman wellbeing (good/very good 66.7% vs 20%) judgement on efficacy (72.7% vs 17.1%) and acceptability (93.9% vs 31.4%) were significantly better for ES.
The controlled study showed the efficacy of Magnolia extract and magnesium on psycho-affective and sleep disturbances in menopause, in addition to the effects of isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms.
11Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effectsReview2021
This promising bioactive compound presented an wide range of therapeutic and biological activities which include liver cancer, neuroprotective, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, anti-tumorigenic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, analgesic properties, and others.
Rauf A et al. · Phytomedicine (2021)
This promising bioactive compound presented an wide range of therapeutic and biological activities which include liver cancer, neuroprotective, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, anti-tumorigenic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, analgesic properties, and others.
Some of its mechanism for exhibiting its pharmacological effects includes apoptosis of diseased cells, reduction in the expression of defective proteins like P-glycoproteins, inhibition of oxidative stress, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6).
Its pharmacokinetics has been established in experimental animals, while in humans, this is still speculative.
12GAD enzyme activity and anxiolytic effectsAnimalCited 17×2011
In addition, the activity of hippocampal GAD(65) of honokiol treated mice was significantly increased than that of the vehicle or diazepam treated groups.
Ku TH et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2011)
In addition, the activity of hippocampal GAD(65) of honokiol treated mice was significantly increased than that of the vehicle or diazepam treated groups.
Mice treated with 7 daily injection of honokiol (1mg/kg, p.o.) caused anxiolytic action which was similar to that was induced by 7 daily injection of diazepam (2mg/kg, p.o.) in the elevated plus-maze test.
These data suggest that honokiol causes diazepam-like anxiolytic action, which may be mediated by altering the synthesis of GABA in the brain of mice.