Magnolia bark (magnolia officinalis) is a
traditional chinese medicine used since
100 a.D. To support the body and nurture
wellbeing and to treat a plethora of
ailments.
Magnolia bark has been used to treat
menstrual cramps, abdominal pain,
abdominal bloating and gas, nausea, and
indigestion. The bark is also an
ingredient in formulas used for treating
coughs and asthma. The bark is used
internally in the treatment of abdominal
distension, loss of appetite,
gastro-enteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea,
asthma and coughs with acute phlegm. The
bark and flower buds of magnolia
officinalis have been used to treat coughs
and colds and intestinal problems
japanese researchers have determined that
"honokiol" and "magnolol", two chemicals
found in magnolia bark, are up to 1000
times more potent than vitamin e in
antioxidant activity. These two active
compounds are thought to contribute to the
primary anti-stress and cortisol-balancing
effects of the plant. Numerous animal
studies have demonstrated honokiol to act
as an anti-stress agent at lower doses.
Magnolol, a compound isolated from the
cortex of magnolia officinalis, has been
found to possess anti-allergic and
anti-asthmatic activity.
Weight loss
magnolia bark is getting much press as a
"cortisol", the stress hormone-lowering
supplement. Cortisol has also been
associated with weight gain (particularly
fat in the abdominal area), sugar control
problems, memory problems, and a host of
other stress induced disorders.
Anxiety
in studies, honokiol was compared with
diazepam (valium), a well known
pharmaceutical anxiolytic. Honokiol was
found to be five times stronger than
diazepam in reducing anxiety without the
side effects of diazepam. While diazepam
does reduce anxiety, it also induces
muscle relaxation, an effect not shared by
honokiol. It would seem that honokiol is
less likely than diazepam to induce
physical dependence, central nervous
system depression, motor nerve disruption,
or amnesia at doses eliciting the
anxiolytic effect. Because honokiol
reduces anxiety without disruption of
motor activity, it is postulated that the
mechanism of the anxiolytic effect of
honokiol is at least partially different
from that of diazepam.
Alzheimers disease
magnolia has several powerful effects on
acetylcholine levels in the brain,
offering potential benefits for victims of
alzheimer's disease. Alzeimer's disease
is characterised by insufficient levels of
acetylcholine, accompanied by the buildup
of amyloid plaque in the brain, disrupting
normal brain functioning. Two biphenolic
compounds found in magnolia, honokiol and
magnolol, increase choline
acetyltransferase activity, inhibit
acetylcholinesterase, promote
potassium-induced acetylcholine release
and exhibit neurotrophic function in in
vitro studies. Choline acetyltransferase
is an enzyme involved in the cellular
synthesis of acetylcholine, an increase of
which can up-regulate the production of
acetylcholine necessary for proper brain
function. Acetylcholinesterase is an
enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, the
inhibition of which preserves available
acetylcholine. Honokiol and magnolol
also exhibited neurotropic effects in
vitro, which could translate into enhanced
brain cell growth and reduced brain cell
death in vivo.
Asthma
magnolol was found in studies to support
the body's natural production of adrenal
steroids (corticosteroids) which suppress
inflammation. This anti-inflammatory
effect is thought responsible for
alleviating the allergic inflammatory
response in cases of asthma. Increases
in corticosteroids may be a concern for
those wishing to use magnolia as a weight
loss product, but in a patented product
combining the herb with phellodendron this
effect was reversed, resulting in
corticosteroid reduction, and reduced
cortisol-induced food cravings.
Magnolia bark (magnolia officinalis) is a
traditional chinese medicine (where it is
known in tcm as houpu or hou po) used
since 100 a.D. For treating "stagnation
of qi" (low energy) as well as a variety
of syndromes, such as digestive
disturbances caused by emotional distress
and emotional turmoil.
Magnolol and honokiol are the bioactive
constituents of the bark of magnolia
officinalis. Both are phenolic compounds
in which honokiol is an isomer of
magnolol. Recently, a number of studies
have shown that magnolia extract is
benefit for the health of human’s brain
and heart. Through further research, it
indicates that all the functions of
magnolia extract owe to the action of
magnolol and honokiol.
It can protect the brain from alzheimer's
disease.
As strong antioxidants, it can do good to
cardiovascular health.
Several studies have tested magnolia
extract on human cancer cells and found it
has the function to inhibit the growth of
cancer tumors.
It can help calm nerves and alleviate
anxiety without side effect.
The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made.
Schizophreniahealth
This page was last updated on June 11, 2008
