Evidence supporting the use of: Magnolia
For the health condition: Insomnia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Magnolia bark, particularly from the species Magnolia officinalis, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for treating anxiety, nervous disorders, and sleep disturbances. In recent years, scientific studies have begun exploring its potential for supporting insomnia. Magnolia bark contains active compounds such as honokiol and magnolol, which have demonstrated anxiolytic and sedative effects in preclinical (animal) studies. These compounds are believed to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, similar to how some pharmaceutical sleep aids work, resulting in calming and sleep-promoting effects.

Several small clinical trials and open-label studies have investigated magnolia bark extracts (sometimes in combination with other botanicals) in humans. Some of these studies report improvements in sleep quality, latency, and overall symptoms of insomnia, but the evidence is still considered preliminary due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations (such as lack of large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials). The most robust evidence currently comes from animal studies, where magnolia extracts have reliably promoted sleep and reduced anxiety-like behavior.

Overall, the use of magnolia for insomnia is supported by both its traditional usage and emerging scientific evidence, primarily from animal research and a few small human studies. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety profile for treating insomnia in the general population.

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calcium
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cannabidiol
cannabinol
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catnip
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chamomile
cherimoya
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chrysanthemum
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dragonhead
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ganoderma
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gooseberry
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heartwood
Homalomena
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Other health conditions supported by magnolia

Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Insomnia
Stress