Title: Magnolia Bark: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations
Headings: The Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark
The Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark
Also Known As
Health Benefits
Anxiety and Depression
Menopausal Symptoms
Cavities
Heart Disease
Possible Side Effects
Selection, Preparation, and Storage
Common Questions

Content: Scientists have found that honokiol in magnolia bark functions as a phytoestrogen and may influence hormone function in the same ways estrogen does. Another compound in magnolia bark called magnolol is classified as a lignan, a plant-based nutrient rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that not only aids in digestion but improves cardiovascular health. Here is some of what the current research says about using magnolia bark for health purposes. Anxiety and Depression
Magnolia bark has long been regarded as a potent anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) drug. According to a 2013 review of studies in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, honokiol depresses the central nervous system while interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors—the same receptors in the brain that certain antidepressants and benzodiazepine drugs act on. 3 ﻿
Honokiol appears nearly as effective as the benzodiazepine drug Valium (diazepam) in relieving anxiety, but with far fewer motor and cognitive side effects. 4 ﻿
With that said, results can vary based on the magnolia bark extract used. Efforts are now underway to explore the pharmaceutical potential of purified honokiol and magnolol in treating insomnia, stress, depression, and other mood-related disorders. 7 Alternative Remedies for Anxiety
Menopausal Symptoms
Magnolia bark may help ease the symptoms of menopause, suggests a 2006 study published in Minerva Ginecologica. 5 ﻿
For this study, 89 women experiencing menopause were assigned to 24 weeks of treatment with either a combination of calcium and vitamin D or a supplement containing calcium, vitamin D, magnolia bark, soy isoflavones, probiotics, and magnesium.​
According to the investigators, the supplement containing magnolia bark was far more effective in relieving menopausal hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido.