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Magnolia is the common name for an entire genus of trees, although the most common example of these is Magnolia officinalis (Magnolia-bark). The Magnolia tree is native to China and is renowned for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. An extract from the bark of these trees is known as Magnolia bark extract (MBE), or Hou po in traditional Chinese medicine, it offers many benefits and has been used for centuries.

MBE contains magnolol and honokiol, two compounds shown to have anti-anxiety properties, as well as the ability to reduce allergic reactions and asthma. It was also traditionally used for problems with digestion and the symptoms of the common cold.

Key Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark 

Healthy Cell Growth

Magnolia bark extract offers benefits that have been the topic of a large number of research studies in the last 5 years. Recent studies have shown magnolia bark extract is anti-angiogenic, meaning that it prevents the growth of new blood vessels, thus preventing growing tumours from diverting the blood supply and appropriating more resources for growth. It has also been shown to prevent the growth of unhealthy skin cells in a test tube. Research has also established that MBE prevents metastasis of human prostate carcinoma cells and induces their apoptosis ("cell suicide"). Some more recentstudies have also shown that MBE is cytotoxic against several different abnormal cell lines in a test tube. All of the current results are from test tube or murine (mouse) studies, so much more research is required before these results can be extended to humans, but it is an exciting line of thinking.

Weight Loss Benefits

There is a proprietary combination product from Next Pharmaceuticals called Relora that contains both Magnolia and an extract from Phellodendron amurense. Relora is effective in reducing high cortisol (stress hormones) levels and can act as an anxiolytic: reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. Interestingly, a 2006 study found that this formula helped healthy, overweight, premenopausal women (20-50 years of age) reduce their stress-associated eating. They had lower levels of cortisol at the end of the day, felt more able to manage their stress, and gained significantly less weight than the control group during the study.

Oral and Dental Health

Magnolia bark extract benefits also include inhibiting many of the bacteria responsible for the cavities formed in teeth ("dental caries") as well as periodontal disease. A 2011 study found that chewing magnolia bark extract in a chewing gum base over one month had many beneficial effects on oral health, including a reduction in salivary bacteria, particularly the species that cause bad breath. Thus MBE can reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis when chewed. A study performed in 2000 showed that Magnolia has antifungal activity as well.

Bone Health Benefits

Honokiol, one of the major Magnolia constituents, has been shown to promote bone growth and mineralization. Thismeans that MBE can have positive effects on skeletal strength and bone density.

Exploring The Best Magnolia Bark Supplements

Magnolia bark extract can be found in several different supplements on its own or in combination with other herbs, as is the case in the proprietary formula named Relora. It can also be found in natural chewing gum and other oral health products. There is no established dose for the use of MBE. When using Relora, the recommended dosage is 250mg three times daily (a total of 750mg). When taking other combinations, it would be best to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Skullcap may be just what you need to let it all go and help you to get to sleep and better cope with your demanding lifestyle.

What is Scutellaria Lateriflora?

Scutellaria grows in the damp woodlands or swamps of Eastern North America. It has pointed leaves and many two-lobed violet blue (sometimes pink) flowers. All aerial or above-ground parts of this perennial are dried and used medicinally.

Native tribes in the eastern parts of the United States were the first to use Skullcap medicinally. At that time it was used to treat female conditions, including menstrual pain or irregularity. It went on to become the cure for rabies in the 1700’s, which also explains why many know it as mad-dog weed or mad-dog skullcap. Although we now know that skullcap was not a cure, it does alleviate some of the symptomology such as twitching or convulsion.

Top Health Benefits of Skullcap

Today, the use of skullcap is centered on its efficacy with nervous conditions, such as anxiety, stress, muscular spasm or tension due to stress and insomnia.

Although Scutellaria has not been studied extensively in terms of its medicinal properties, it is believed that one of its more abundant flavanoids, scutellarin, is responsible for its sedative, nervine and anti-spasmodic effects. As well as treating tension, anxiety, and insomnia, it is also commonly prescribed for tension headaches, menstrual cramping, fibromyalgia and mild cases of Tourette’s or seizure disorders. Research is also now suggesting that this same flavanoid may improve blood flow in patients prone to clots, those suffering from cerebral thrombosis or stroke-induced paralysis.

Skullcap Supplement Varieties

As with most herbs, skullcap can be used as a tincture, made into a tea or infusion, as well as powdered and used in capsules. Although there are no safety issues with the herb itself, there have been a number of reports of patients suffering liver damage following consumption of a similar herb that is often mislabeled as skullcap. A dosage of anywhere from 3-6 g/day is considered safe and effective. If combined with other herbs, the dosage may be considerably less, as to allow the formula a more synergistic effect.