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.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- 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.
Is it Safe?
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 & 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.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Magnolia might slow blood clotting. Taking magnolia along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Magnolia might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Magnolia might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
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