Magnolia bark is obtained from Magnolia officanalis tree, one that can be commonly found in China. It is grown for several benefits. But, the most significant ones are for ornamental purposes and several health benefits it is associated with. The bark can be obtained by peeling it off the tree and drying, boiling, steaming, rolling and storing it afterward. Magnolia bark can also be purchased either in its dried form or as a supplement in capsules as well as tinctures. The most medicinal magnolia bark benefits are obtained from herbs. However, proper caution is necessary in using it, especially by those who are taking medications.
Magnolia Bark Benefits
- Anticancer Benefits
There were studies on record showing that Magnolia barks have exhibited these benefits. From the Jeonju University, researchers tested the bark extract for prostate cancer cells. The extract was obtained from the tree’s bark, root as well as stem. The result of the research was published in 2010. It showed that the extract stopped the prostate cancer cells’ from developing, invading, growing and spreading.
It also showed positive effects in treating colorectal cancer and leukemia.
- Antidepressant Properties
The magnolia bark is known to have the magnolol, which is an active chemical, along with honokiol. These two are compounds that come with its health benefits. There are also benefits that are presented once the compounds are administered together. For more records of the magnolia bark benefits, there was a study that has been published in 2010. The study showed that the extracts contain antidepressant properties. It helps in regulating those chemicals in the brain linked with depression. It was even concluded that its effects can be a basis for a kind of treatment.
- Liver Protective Benefits
It is known that too much consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to a damaged liver. It can then result in ALD, which entails fat accumulation around the organ. This effect can eventually lead to damaging the organ and affecting its function. The good thing is that the extracts of the magnolia barks showed promising result. Researchers in a university in Korea showed impressive effects from the combination of magnolol and honokiol. The extract was used against ALD.
Soon, a research involving feeding rats with alcohol until ALD developed was done. It was followed by getting the rats under an alcohol diet combined with administering of magnolia bark extract. The result was that it reversed the induced fatty-liver changes that occurred. As a conclusion, the research stated that the extract may serve as a promising ALD treatment.
- Asthma
It was shown that this magnolia bark benefit is caused by the magnolol compound present in it. This compound can stimulate the secretion of corticosterone through the adrenal gland. It is similar to the action done by exexogenous glucocorticoids in treating asthma.
These are some of the magnolia bark benefits. These benefits show that even the worst types of diseases can be cured with medications and treatments. All these can be done by simply taking advantage of what is in the surroundings. Finalizations of these researches can provide treatments to those with ALD.