Magnoliaceae
Magnolia Bark
Magnolia officinalis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: China (Sichuan, Hubei provinces)
Also known as: Hou Po, Magnolia Bark, Wooded Magnolia
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Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety (honokiol comparable to diazepam without tolerance in animal studies), depression, muscle tension, digestive stagnation (TCM), weight management (cortisol reduction). Honokiol excellent neuroprotective compound.
Herbal Actions
Anxiolytic (honokiol — GABA modulator, 5-HT1A partial agonist), anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, muscle relaxant, antitumor (honokiol — apoptosis), antimicrobial
Active Constituents
Honokiol and magnolol (biphenyl neolignans — primary, 1–5%), 4-methoxyhonokiol, beta-eudesmol, bornyl acetate
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3–9g dried bark simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily — very aromatic, camphor-like |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Honokiol standardized: 5–20mg daily (low dose effective). Combines well with lemon balm and valerian. CITES consideration — source sustainably cultivated. Honokiol crosses blood-brain barrier. Magnolol more muscle relaxant; honokiol more anxiolytic. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Caution with CNS depressants. Do not drive. Caution with anticoagulants.
Side Effects: Sedation. Headache. GI irritation. Generally well tolerated at standard doses.