Magnolol

PhytochemicalLignanBest before bed

What is it

Magnolol is a biphenolic compound found in the bark of magnolia trees (Magnolia officinalis, Magnolia obovata). It is one of the principal active constituents in standardized magnolia bark extracts.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Anxiety / stress

Limited Evidence

Small RCTs of magnolia bark (with honokiol) show modest reductions in self-reported stress and anxiety scores in healthy and pre-menopausal women.

Sleep quality

Limited Evidence

Limited human trials suggest improved subjective sleep quality with standardized magnolia bark extracts.

How it works

Magnolol acts as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors, which underlies its proposed anxiolytic and sleep-supporting effects. It also has anti-inflammatory activity, inhibits NF-kB signaling, and shows antioxidant properties in cell models. The closely related compound honokiol shares some of these activities. Clinical research on magnolia bark extracts (containing both magnolol and honokiol) supports modest effects on stress and sleep, but isolated magnolol trials are uncommon.

Dosage

Magnolia bark extracts are typically standardized to 1-2% magnolol+honokiol combined. Daily doses of 200-400 mg of standardized extract are common in trials.

When and how to take it

Often taken 30-60 minutes before bed for sleep, or in divided doses during the day for stress. Drowsiness is more likely with higher single doses.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Magnolia bark extract (standardized)

Standardized extracts are the studied form.

Lipophilic; absorption modest.

Honokiol / magnolol combination

Used in sleep and stress formulas.

Both compounds typically present.

Safety

Short-term use of standardized magnolia bark extract is generally well-tolerated. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and mild GI upset. Long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Stop 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions

May enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and other CNS depressants. Theoretical interaction with blood thinners.

Frequently asked questions

Will magnolol sedate me?⌄

It can cause drowsiness, especially at higher doses or combined with other sedatives. Many users take it in the evening for this reason.

Is it addictive?⌄

Magnolol acts at GABA receptors but has not shown the same dependence potential as benzodiazepines in available studies. Long-term human data are limited.

References

Magnolol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Magnolol (ChEBI:6643) — ChEBI link

Magnolol (PubChem CID 72300) — PubChem link

Magnolol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Magnolol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Magnolol with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.