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Magnolia bark extract from the magnolia tree (Magnolia officinalis), which is native to China, has been used as an herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Magnolia bark extract is used to treat various symptoms, including upset stomach, allergic reactions, anxiety, and breathing difficulties. A study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that magnolia bark extract has strong antibacterial effects against the bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. (Tian 2007)
The active ingredients in magnolia bark are magnolol and honokiol, substances that are believed to reduce stress and related symptoms, and to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Magnolia bark extract also contains eudesmol, an essential oil that is thought to have antioxidant powers.
Magnolia bark may also be effective in treating prostate cancer. Preliminary studies in the lab have shown that magnolol can stop the development, invasion, growth, and spread of prostate cancer cells. (Hwang 2010) In an earlier study, researchers observed that magnolol prompted apoptosis (cell “suicide”) in human prostate cancer cells. (Lee 2009) Magnolia bark (hou po in Chinese medicine) is also one of about a dozen ingredients in at least one traditional Chinese herbal remedy to treat prostatitis. However, the impact of magnolia bark on the prostate in this formula is unknown. (Prostatitisdr.com)
Magnolia bark extract is available in capsules and tablets and as a tincture. You should consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider before using this supplement. Avoid taking magnolia bark extract with any drugs that act on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, mood-altering medications, or barbiturates. No adverse effects have been associated with normal doses of magnolia bark extract.
References
Hwang ES, Park KK. Magnolol suppresses metastasis via inhibition of invasion, migration, and matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 activities in PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2010; 74(5): 961-67
Lee DH et al. Magnolol induces apoptosis via inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2009 Apr 15; 106(6): 1113-22
Prostatitisdr.com website: http://www.prostatitisdr.com/prostate_herbal_treatment.html
Tian M, Greenberg M. Compressed mints and chewing gum containing magnolia bark extract are effective against bacteria responsible for oral malodor. J Agricul Food Chem 2007 Nov;
