10 Benefits Of Magnolia Bark, How To Consume, & Side Effects

Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized the benefits of magnolia bark. Magnolia bark has been used for centuries to manage depression, low blood pressure, promote brain health, and even reduce menopause symptoms. Researchers have linked these health benefits to its high bioactive compoundsⁱ  Chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They help improve heart health and have anti-cancer properties. content. This article discusses the benefits of magnolia bark, recommended dosage, and possible side effects. Scroll down.

Know Your Ingredient: Magnolia Bark

What Is It?
A traditional Chinese herb used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions for its potential medicinal properties.

What Are Its Benefits?
It aids with the management of insomnia, depression, low blood pressure, and menopause symptoms.It helps regulate the glycemic index, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy digestion and brain function.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone except pregnant women, as it can cause contractions and lead to miscarriage.

How Often?
250 to 500 mg per day

Caution
May interfere with anesthesia, anxiety, depression medications and blood thinners.

What Are The Benefits Of Magnolia Bark?

1. Improves Dental Health

Studies show that the antimicrobial properties that the bark contains can fight dental plaque. In the research, chewing gums containing magnolia bark, when assessed, were found to reduce dental plaque (1).

And these very antimicrobial properties also help one fight bad breath. Magnolia can also fight cavities, as per studies (2).

Another Italian study particularly speaks of how magnolia extract can reduce the volatile sulfur-containing compounds in the oral cavity and improve overall teeth health (3).

2. Magnolia Bark Can Lower Blood Pressure

Honokiol, one compound in the magnolia bark, was found to relax the aortas and lower blood pressure (4). Though we need more research on this, this sure is a step in the right direction.

Did You Know?

Magnolia bark is smooth when the plant is young. As the plant gets older, the bark becomes scaly.

3. Fights Inflammation

Magnolia bark extract, when administered to cells, had reduced the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines – compounds that lead to inflammation (5).

The bark can also reduce the pain that is caused by inflammation. Two compounds in magnolia bark, honokiol and magnolol, were found to reduce the pain that was a result of bodily inflammation (6).

4. Relieves Menopause Symptoms

Comparative studies between magnolia bark and soy isoflavones in treating menopausal symptoms offered interesting results – the bark was able to lower stress and treat anxiety, which are some of the symptoms in menopausal women (7).

In fact, adding the bark extract to isoflavones further improved the symptoms – the combination could effectively combat insomnia, irritability, depressed mood, and even loss of libido (common symptoms during menopause) (8).

5. Can Aid Diabetes Treatment

Some of the major bioactive compoundsⁱ  Chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They help improve heart health and have anti-cancer properties. in magnolia bark were found to contribute to glycemic control – and this is a boon for diabetics (9). These compounds, upon further research, were also found to possess hypoglycemic bioactivity – meaning they have the ability to lower blood sugar levels.

Magnolia bark is also effective against oxidative damage of the liver, which can happen in severe cases of diabetes (10).

6. Helps Fight Cancer

The honokiol in magnolia bark can fight cancer in a number of ways. In fact, in one animal study, the combination of radiation and honokiol caused a greater reduction in tumor volumes as opposed to using radiation alone (11).

Honokiol was also found to block a specific cancer pathway that was previously thought to be resistant to drugs (12).

In yet another study, honokiol was found to prevent breast cancer – which could otherwise be caused by leptin, one hormone closely associated with obesity (13).

7. Fights Depression And Boosts Cognitive Health

A mixture of honokiol and magnolol (the two compounds in magnolia bark) was found to offer antidepressant benefits, according to studies (14). These two compounds also increase the serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, the low levels of which are linked to depression (15).

Honokiol and magnolol are also linked to elevated levels of noradrenaline, which is associated with improved alertness and concentration, along with enhanced emotions.

Quick Tip

There are around 210 varieties of magnolia species available around the world.

8. Helps Treat Insomnia

By lowering cortisol levelsⁱ  It indicates the amount of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is known as the body’s stress hormone. , magnolia bark aids in the relaxation of the body and the mind. Taking this herb right before you go to bed can help you sleep better as it promotes rapid drowsiness.

Research also shows us that the honokiol in magnolia bark promotes non-rapid eye movement, thereby treating insomnia and helping the body and mind relax and drift to sleep (17).

9. Might Promote Weight Loss

Some research shows how magnolia bark could reduce body fat mass in mice. And the honokiol in the bark had decreased insulin resistance, thereby preventing fat storage (18).

10. May Improve The Skin Health

Magnolia bark contains the natural compounds magnolol and honokiol that provide several benefits to your skin. They help reduce inflammation and prevent skin diseases, including skin cancer. Studies show that honokiol prevents skin cancer caused by UV radiation by activating proteins that cause cell death. Magnolol has also been proven to inhibit the spread of melanoma cells (19).

The compounds also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. These properties make the magnolia bark an effective solution for skin disorders, including psoriasis, vitiligo, lupus, and skin fibrosis (20). Magnolol may also reduce the secretion of inflammatory substances induced by Propionibacterium acnes. Thus, you may use it to manage acne (19).

Trivia

Magnolia trees can survive for 100 years or longer, and their life expectancy varies among species.

How To Consume Magnolia Bark Extract

The bark (or the extract) is quite soluble in water. Hence, you can mix it in a glass of plain water or juice.

A YouTuber eagerly shared the intricate steps of crafting magnolia bark tincture. Demonstrating the meticulous peeling of magnolia sticks involved in the process, he highlights, “You take the whole of the top layer of bark off (i).” He also stresses upon the choice of alcohol he used for the tincture: “You want to use grain alcohol or alcohol that’s safe for drinking” to ensure a potent and safe final product.

You can also add the extract to your breakfast smoothie. Other ingredients in the smoothie can help mask the bark’s taste in case it doesn’t appeal to you. You can also take them in the form of natural health supplements.

The dosage of the extract should be between 250 to 500 mg per day.

 Great. But does this mean anybody can take the extract? Maybe not. There are certain things to be kept in mind.

What Are The Side Effects Of Magnolia Bark?

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Some research suggests that taking magnolia during pregnancy can cause uterus contractions and lead to miscarriage. Not enough is known about its effects on breastfeeding. Hence, stay safe and avoid use in both the cases.

• Might Make Anesthesia Ineffective

Magnolia can slow down the nervous system due to its relaxing properties. This might be a problem during surgery as the anesthesiaⁱ  A state induced by a drug given to patients during surgery or diagnostic procedures causing a temporary loss of sensation application may not be as effective. Stop use at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Infographic: Fascinating Facts About Magnolia Bark

Magnolia bark has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal values. The bioactive and polyphenolic compoundsⁱ  Natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables. They act as antioxidants and help the body fight diseases. in it offer many health benefits. From improving lung health to eliminating phlegm, this herbal remedy improves several health conditions. Click on the infographic below to learn some fascinating facts about magnolia bark.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does magnolia bark increase dopamine?

Yes. There is an association between depression and depletion of monoamine (like dopamine) (21). Magnolia bark exhibits anti-depressant properties that may help improve dopamine levels.

Is magnolia bark a blood thinner?

Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the presence of bioactive compoundsⁱ  Chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They help improve heart health and have anti-cancer properties. in the stem bark of magnolia exhibits anticoagulantⁱ  Substances that stop or prevent blood coagulation (clotting of blood). They help reduce the risk of stroke. properties. However, limited data is available in this regard.

Is magnolia bark a benzodiazepine?

Magnolia bark contains a bioactive compound called magnolol, which induces sleep via benzodiazepine receptor (22).

Is magnolia bark fat-soluble?

Yes. Magnolia bark is fat-soluble.

Does magnolia bark aid digestion?

Yes, magnolia bark has been traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and may help to improve digestion by increasing the level of gut bacteria (8).

Illustration: Benefits Of Magnolia Bark How To Consume & Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the amazing health benefits of magnolia bark! From reducing inflammation to improving sleep, this natural remedy has it all. Click on the video below to learn more about it.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Mollie MeldahlRD, LD, CPT

 

Mollie Meldahl is a plant-based Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer based out of Austin, TX, with 8 years of experience. She has been following a plant-based lifestyle for over six years and currently counsels clients on transitioning to a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse heart disease.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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