Effects of the Magnolia Bark Herb

Magnolia bark is a traditional Chinese remedy that is used in a variety of herbal formulations, such as Banxia Houpo Tang and Hangekobokuto. New research supports the use of magnolia bark in treating conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and cancer. The bark of the magnolia officinalis plant is rich in natural chemicals called honokiol and magnolol, which are believed to be responsible for much of the pharmacological activity.

Anti-Anxiety

Magnolia reduces the symptoms of acute anxiety.

Magnolia bark helps to reduce anxiety, alleviate tension and calm the nervous system when taken as an herbal supplement. The "Nutrition Journal" published a study in 2008 written by Dr. Douglas S. Kalman and colleagues that showed magnolia bark was effective in reducing some types of anxiety in humans with no adverse side effects. Dr. Kalman did not find that the magnolia bark was effective in treating either long-term anxiety or depression, but found it better suited to treating short-term anxiety. Magnolia bark is best used for supporting acute feelings of anxiety. Readers are advised to speak with their health care provider before combining it with medications.

Sleep

Magniola bark reduces stress and promotes sleep.

In 2010, an article was published in "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology" by Dr. Uwe Koetter and colleagues that showed magnolia bark extract stimulated dopamine, serotonin and benzodiazapene receptors. In doing so, magnolia bark mimics natural chemicals in our bodies that support mood balance and relaxation needed for a good night's rest. Dr. Koetter concludes that this scientific finding supports the traditional use of magnolia bark for treating anxiety and insomnia.

Cancer

Magniola bark may have a role to play in cancer treatment.

Several studies support the use of magnolia bark in fighting cancer. In an article published in the journal "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" in 2010, researchers Eun-Sun Hwang and Kwang-Kyun Park from Jeonju University in Korea found chemicals in magnolia bark significantly inhibited the spread of prostate cancer cells to other parts of the body. In a second study published in "Anticancer Research" in 2010, researcher S. Chilampalli and colleagues discovered magnolia bark was effective in reducing the risk of UVB-induced skin cancer.

Pain and Inflammation

Magnolia bark reduces inflammatory chemicals in the body that cause pain.

Magnolia bark helps to reduce pain and discomfort in inflammatory conditions. Researcher Yi-Ruu Lin and colleagues showed in a study published in the "Journal of Biomedical Science" in 2009 that magnolia bark was effective in reducing pain. Chemicals found in magnolia bark, such as magnolol and honokiol, reduce pain through inhibiting the release of a variety of inflammatory chemicals in the body. This pharmacological action means magnolia bark should provide symptomatic relief to sufferers from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, dermatitis, colitis, burns and neuritis.