Title: Magnolia Bark Extract: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage
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Content: Magnolia extract is used to address several common ailments, such as nasal congestion, indigestion, inflammation, anxiety, headaches, sinus pain, toothaches and sleep disturbances. There are two active compounds in magnolia extract responsible for the bulk of its beneficial properties — honokiol and magnolol, two types of compounds called lignans. Clinical studies describe honokiol and magnolol as pleiotropic compounds, meaning that they can affect the body through a number of chemical pathways. Specifically, honokiol can readily cross the blood-brain and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers, which makes it a potent therapy with high bioavailability ( x ). Benefits of Magnolia Extract
Because the two active components in magnolia extract can influence many different pathways in the body, magnolia extract may present a diverse set of benefits against the several different conditions. Gingivitis
Magnolia extract may be effective at combating gingivitis and bad breath. Many separate studies have verified that toothpaste and gum that contains magnolia extract reduces the amount of gingivitis on the gums and kills bacteria that cause bad breath ( x, x ). Studies show that both honokiol and magnolol may have potent antimicrobial effects and have the potential to treat periodontal pathogens ( x ). Anxiety & Depression
Magnolia extract may also have connection with anxiety. Researchers believe that honokiol acts on GABA receptors in the brain in a similar manner to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs ( x ).