MAGNOLIA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Magnolia (Magnolia biondii) is a plant found in parts of Asia and North and South America. The bark and flowers are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Magnolia seems to have anxiety-reducing effects. Chemicals in magnolia might kill bacteria in the mouth which might help prevent cavities or reduce gum swelling.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, magnolia is used to treat the "stagnation of qi" as well as for depression and anxiety. People also use magnolia for obesity, stress, gingivitis, plaque, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Chewing gum or using a toothpaste containing magnolia extract seems to reduce the swelling and bleeding of gums.

There is interest in using magnolia for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Magnolia extract is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 weeks.

When used in toothpaste: Magnolia is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 months.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia is safe. Some people may develop skin rashes when magnolia is applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Taking magnolia flower bud by mouth is unsafe during pregnancy. Magnolia might cause the uterus to contract, which could cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia bark is safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: There's a concern that magnolia might slow down the nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Magnolia might also slow blood clotting and cause bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using magnolia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with MAGNOLIA
Magnolia might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking magnolia with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with MAGNOLIA
Magnolia might slow blood clotting. Taking magnolia along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Magnolia is used in toothpastes, chewing gum, and dietary supplements. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of magnolia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Hellström MK, Ramberg P. The effect of a dentifrice containing Magnolia extract on established plaque and gingivitis in man: a six-month clinical study. Int J Dent Hyg. 2014 May;12(2):96-102. View abstract.

Hou YC, Chao PD, Chen SY. Honokiol and magnolol increased hippocampal acetylcholine release in freely-moving rats. Am J Chin Med 2000;28:379-84. View abstract.

Jung KY, Kim DS, Oh SR, et al. Magnone A and B, novel anti-PAF tetrahydrofuran lignans from the flower buds of Magnolia fargesii. J Nat Prod 1998;61:808-11. View abstract.

Kuribara H, Kishi E, Hattori N, et al. The anxiolytic effect of two oriental herbal drugs in Japan attributed to honokiol from magnolia bark. J Pharm Pharmacol 2000;52:1425-9. View abstract.

Kuribara H, Kishi E, Maruyama Y. Does dihydrohonokiol, a potent anxiolytic compound, result in the development of benzodiazepine-like side effects? J Pharm Pharmacol 2000;52:1017-22. View abstract.

Maffei S, Franchini M, Fortunato L, Guiducci L. Long-term effects of a combination of isoflavones, agnus castus and magnolia extracts on climacteric symptoms and cardiometabolic risk profile in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022;38(4):339-344. View abstract.

Maruyama Y, Kuribara H, Kishi E, et al. Confirmation of the anxiolytic-like effect of dihydrohonokiol following behavioural and biochemical assessments. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:721-5. View abstract.

Nakazawa T, Yasuda T, Ohsawa K. Metabolites of orally administered Magnolia officinalis extract in rats and man and its antidepressant-like effects in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2003;55:1583-91. View abstract.

Nilausen TD, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Allergic contact dermatitis of the face caused by Magnolia officinalis bark extract. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(6):385-87. View abstract.

Poivre M, Duez P. Biological activity and toxicity of the Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson (Houpo) and its constituents. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2017;18(3):194-214. View abstract.

Porciani PF, Grandini S, Chazine M. The effect of zinc lactate and magnolia bark extract added tablets on volatile sulfur-containing compounds in the oral cavity. J Clin Dent. 2014;25(3):53-6. View abstract.

Porciani PF, Grandini S. The effect of zinc acetate and magnolia bark extract added to chewing gum on volatile sulfur-containing compounds in the oral cavity. J Clin Dent. 2012;23(3):76-9. View abstract.

Raison-Peyron N, Césaire A, Du-Thanh A, Dereure O. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Magnolia officinalis bark extract in a facial anti-ageing cream. Contact Dermatitis. 2015 Jun;72(6):416-7. View abstract.

Schifano F, Guarino V, Papanti DG, Baccarin J, Orsolini L, Corkery JM. Is there a potential of misuse for Magnolia officinalis compounds/metabolites? Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2017;32:e2595. View abstract.

Tachikawa E, Takahashi M, Kashimoto T. Effects of extract and ingredients isolated from Magnolia obovata thunberg on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2000;60:433-40. View abstract.

Talbott SM, Talbott JA, Pugh M. Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):37. View abstract.

Teng CM, Chen CC, Ko FN, et al. Two antiplatelet agents from Magnolia officinalis. Thromb Res 1988;50:757-65. View abstract.

Wang SM, Lee LJ, Huang YT, et al. Magnolol stimulates steroidogenesis in rat adrenal cells. Br J Pharmacol 2000;131:1172-8. View abstract.

Xue L, Zhang J, Shen H, Ai L, Wu R. A randomized controlled pilot study of the effectiveness of magnolia tea on alleviating depression in postnatal women. Food Sci Nutr. 2020;8(3):1554-1561. View abstract.

Yimam M, Jiao P, Hong M, et al. UP601, a standardized botanical composition composed of Morus alba, Yerba mate and Magnolia officinalis for weight loss. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):114. View abstract.

Zhong WB, Wang CY, Ho KJ, et al. Magnolol induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells via cytochrome c release and caspase activation. Anticancer Drugs 2003;14:211-7. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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