Magnolia Bark
Magnolia officinalis bark extract with honokiol/magnolol GABA-A modulation, anxiolytic and sleep-supporting.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS MAGNOLIA BARK?
Detailed overview
Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis, houpu in Chinese) is a traditional botanical whose principal active polyphenols are magnolol and honokiol, two structurally related biphenol compounds. These act as positive allosteric modulators of both synaptic and extra-synaptic GABA-A receptors, producing calming, anxiolytic effects, and in animal models they also show antidepressant-like and neuroprotective activity, partly via CB1 cannabinoid receptor modulation. In small, double-blind placebo-controlled human trials, magnolia-containing extracts reduced stress and anxiety in healthy adults and improved menopausal symptoms. It is widely sold as a dietary supplement, alone or combined with phellodendron extract.
Mechanism
GABA-A positive modulator (magnolol/honokiol)
Evidence
Small human pilot RCTs + preclinical data
Legal status
Dietary supplement (botanical)
Receptor profile
- GABA-A receptorsModerate
- HPA axis / cortisolModerate
- CB1 cannabinoid receptorsModerate
- Oxidative stress / inflammatory pathwaysWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Drowsiness or sedation, especially at higher evening doses
- Potentiates alcohol and other sedative / CNS depressant agents
- Occasional digestive upset, nausea
- Limited human long-term safety data
- Theoretical additive sedation when combined with other GABAergic or sedative agents
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to insufficient safety data
- Concurrent alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedatives: additive CNS depression
- Avoid driving or operating machinery after a sedating dose
- Discontinue before scheduled surgery due to possible interaction with anesthesia
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
The natural products magnolol and honokiol are positive allosteric modulators of both synaptic and extra-synaptic GABA(A) receptors
Alexeev M, Grosenbaugh DK, Mott DD, Fisher JL
A honokiol-enriched Magnolia officinalis extract possesses anxiolytic-like activity with neuroprotective effect through CB1 receptor modulation
Borgonetti V, Governa P, Manetti F, Miraldi E
Effect of honokiol on activity of GAD(65) and GAD(67) in the cortex and hippocampus of mice
Ku TH, Lee YJ, Wang SJ, Fan CH
Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, Schwartz HI
Randomized controlled study on clinical efficacy of isoflavones plus Lactobacillus sporogenes, with or without a natural anxiolytic agent in menopause
Agosta C, Atlante M, Benvenuti C
FAQ
FAQ
Magnolia officinalis bark extract with honokiol/magnolol GABA-A modulation, anxiolytic and sleep-supporting.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.