Bark of the magnolia tree, used in traditional Chinese practice.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support relaxation.
Magnolia bark comes from Magnolia officinalis, a deciduous tree native to the mountains of central China. The thick, aromatic bark is stripped from the trunk, branches and roots and dried. In traditional Chinese practice it is known as hou po and has been used for around two thousand years.
It is traditionally used to support relaxation and was also used for digestive comfort. Its compounds of interest are honokiol and magnolol, two closely related polyphenols. Researchers have studied magnolia bark, often combined with phellodendron bark in a branded blend, in small, short trials looking at stress and mood. Those trials reported no significant side effects, but they were small and the evidence is limited. Magnolia bark has no authorised health claim.
On labels you will see magnolia bark extract, Magnolia officinalis bark extract, or extracts standardised to honokiol and magnolol. It is often paired with phellodendron bark, and the two are sold together in a well-known combination.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
634 menopausal women in 91 centres took an isoflavone product with or without magnolia bark extract nightly for 12 weeks. The magnolia version was more active on sleep and mood symptoms.
56 moderately stressed adults took the blend (Relora) or placebo for 4 weeks. Salivary cortisol was 18% lower, with less stress, tension and fatigue.
40 overweight premenopausal women took 250 mg of the blend (Relora) or placebo three times daily for 6 weeks. State anxiety fell; sleep and cortisol did not change significantly.
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They are the two main polyphenols in magnolia bark and the compounds researchers are most interested in. Extracts are often standardised to a percentage of these, which helps compare products. They are found in the bark rather than the flowers.
The two barks are paired in traditional Chinese practice and in a branded combination studied in small trials on stress and mood. Researchers looked at the blend rather than each bark alone, so findings apply to the combination.
Not usually. Supplements use bark from Magnolia officinalis, a Chinese species, rather than the ornamental magnolias common in UK gardens. Check the Latin name on the label to know which species you are getting.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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