Evidence supporting the use of: Honokiol
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honokiol is a bioactive compound extracted from the bark and seed cones of Magnolia species, traditionally used in East Asian medicine. Its use for anxiety disorders is supported by both traditional practice and emerging scientific data, though the evidence is still preliminary. Several preclinical studies (mainly in rodents) have demonstrated that honokiol exerts anxiolytic effects, likely mediated through modulation of the GABAA receptor, which is the same pathway targeted by benzodiazepine-class drugs. For example, a 2007 study published in Phytotherapy Research reported that honokiol reduced anxiety-like behaviors in mice without impairing motor coordination. Additional animal studies have confirmed these effects, suggesting a potential for honokiol as a safer alternative to traditional anxiolytics, with fewer sedative or addictive properties.
However, human clinical trials are lacking, and most evidence comes from animal models and in vitro receptor-binding studies. While these findings are promising, translation to clinical use in humans remains unproven. As such, the evidence supporting honokiol for anxiety disorders is rated as low (2/5), reflecting encouraging preclinical data but insufficient human trials. More rigorous clinical research is needed to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
Albizia
amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
Cannabis sativa oil
Capitate Valerian
catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
shen-chu
skullcap
Spikenard
St. John's Wort
star of Bethlehem
Tea
Terpenoids
Tetrahydropalmatine
Trichilia catigua
Valerenic acid
Valerian root
velvet bean
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Vitexin
Waterhyssop
Wogonin
Yohimbine
Zinc