Overview

Magnolia (Magnolia biondii) is a plant found in parts of Asia and North and South America. The bark and flowers are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Magnolia seems to have anxiety-reducing effects. Chemicals in magnolia might kill bacteria in the mouth which might help prevent cavities or reduce gum swelling.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, magnolia is used to treat the "stagnation of qi" as well as for depression and anxiety. People also use magnolia for obesity, stress, gingivitis, plaque, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Chewing gum or using a toothpaste containing magnolia extract seems to reduce the swelling and bleeding of gums.

There is interest in using magnolia for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Magnolia extract is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 weeks.

When used in toothpaste: Magnolia is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 months.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia is safe. Some people may develop skin rashes when magnolia is applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Magnolia extract is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 weeks.

When used in toothpaste: Magnolia is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 6 months.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia is safe. Some people may develop skin rashes when magnolia is applied to the skin.

Pregnancy: Taking magnolia flower bud by mouth is unsafe during pregnancy. Magnolia might cause the uterus to contract, which could cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia bark is safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if magnolia is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: There's a concern that magnolia might slow down the nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Magnolia might also slow blood clotting and cause bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using magnolia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Magnolia

    Magnolia might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking magnolia with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Magnolia

    Magnolia might slow blood clotting. Taking magnolia along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Magnolia is used in toothpastes, chewing gum, and dietary supplements. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of magnolia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.