Compound Monograph
Magnolol
Magnolol is a biphenol lignan from magnolia bark traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine.
Classification
Magnolol is a neolignan (biphenol), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Magnolol is a naturally occurring neolignan (biphenol), found in Magnolia bark, Houpu magnolia and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Magnolol is one of the two principal neolignans (alongside honokiol, its structural isomer) found in the bark of Magnolia officinalis and related species. Magnolia bark has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Kampo medicine, where it features in formulas aimed at digestive complaints, anxiety and low mood. Laboratory and animal research has examined magnolol for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anxiolytic activity, and it is reported to modulate GABA-A receptors; much of this work remains preclinical and human clinical evidence is limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Magnolia bark and its constituents are generally well tolerated in traditional use and dietary-supplement doses. Comprehensive human safety data are limited, and as with any centrally active botanical, caution is warranted when combining it with sedatives or other CNS depressants.