Where does the magnolia come from?
It is customary to say that the magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) is one of the oldest flowering trees in the world. In the East, it is a symbol of strength, dignity and beauty, and we understand why when we see the majestic flowers with which it adorns itself in spring.
Mainly present in the tropical regions of America and Asia, the magnolia is used in traditional Chinese medicine, but also in cosmetics. Extracts from the flowers, leaves and bark of the tree are used.
What are the properties and benefits of magnolia?
- The bark of the magnolia contains molecules known for their soothing properties. The delicate scent of magnolia also contributes to the relaxation provided by its active ingredients. It is also for this reason that it is integrated into shower gels, body milks, moisturizing creams…
- The specific active principles of magnolia, magnolol and honokiol, have a antidepressant action and naturally anxiolytic.
- Honokiol, an antioxidant from the bark and leaves, has been studied closely, and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been proven. In addition, studies have shown that honokiol was able to cross the blood-brain barrier (which protects our brain), and thus to intervene in depth in areas difficult to access for traditional drugs.
- Several scientific publications have also noted the anti-cancer interest of honokiol, which could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, in particular in cancers of the skin, breast, prostate and brain (gliomas).
How to consume magnolia?
It is now possible to obtain magnolia capsules rich in honokiol (opt for those that contain at least 90% honokiol and 1% magnolol), or make a magnolia bark infusion.
Note that honokiol is fat-soluble, so it must be mixed with a fatty substance so that it can be properly absorbed. The interest of food supplements based on magnolia is precisely to take this constraint into account by integrating into their capsules elements intended to facilitate its assimilation.
There are also honokiol capsules coupled with glucosamine to optimize the anti-inflammatory action of these two substances. In this combined form, these food supplements help to fight against many inflammatory pathologies such as Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and even against osteoporosis or asthma.
Does magnolia have any contraindications or side effects?
The magnolia is not not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding womento children under 12 as well as people on medication. If you have a particular treatment, be sure to ask your doctor before consuming it.
At a reasonable dose, magnolia does not generally cause no side effects. On the other hand, at high doses side effects may occur: headaches, dizziness, eye and skin irritation, etc.
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