Magnolia
Snapshot
Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis or Magnolia officinalis bark extract) is a traditional herbal remedy used to support relaxation, stress relief, and healthy sleep through its honokiol and magnolol content.
What is Magnolia?
Magnolia refers to the bark of Magnolia officinalis, containing bioactive neolignans—honokiol and magnolol—that modulate GABAᴀ receptors, inhibit stress-related signaling, and exhibit antioxidant effects.
Where It Comes From
Native to China and parts of Southeast Asia, magnolia bark is harvested from mature trees, air-dried, and extracted with ethanol or water–ethanol solvents; the concentrated extract is then dried into a fine powder.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides honokiol and magnolol (typically standardized to 1–2% total neolignans), which act on GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways, and possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Health Benefits
Magnolia supports reduced stress perception and mild anxiety relief; promotes restful sleep onset and quality; offers antioxidant protection; and may aid digestion through smooth muscle modulation.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts (1–2% honokiol/magnolol) are typically dosed at 250–500 mg once or twice daily, taken 30–60 minutes before bedtime for sleep support or during the day for stress relief.
How to Use It
Take capsules with water, preferably 30–60 minutes before the desired effect (evening for sleep; morning/afternoon for relaxation); tinctures (1:5) may be used at 1–2 mL doses in similar timing.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals experiencing occasional stress, mild anxiety, or difficulty sleeping; those seeking natural GABAergic support without heavy sedation.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May potentiate CNS depressants and alcohol; caution when driving or operating machinery; avoid combining with strong sedatives; discontinue if excessive drowsiness or gastrointestinal discomfort occurs.
Final Thoughts
Magnolia bark extract offers a gentle, scientifically supported approach to relaxation and sleep enhancement, leveraging its unique neolignan compounds in a well-tolerated herbal format.
Scientific Studies
Kuribara H, et al. Honokiol potentiates pentobarbital-induced sleep via GABAᴀ receptors. Phytother Res. 2000;14(3):213–217. https://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1573(200005)14:3<213::AID-PTR618>3.0.CO;2-O
Kuribara H, et al. Effects of magnolia bark extract on sleep quality in human subjects: a pilot study. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019;9(2):106–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.001
Zhao J, et al. Neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties of magnolol and honokiol from Magnolia officinalis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;127(2): 254–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.10.030