Evidence supporting the use of: Honokiol
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

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.

More about Honokiol
More about Anxiety Disorders

Products containing Honokiol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.