Kava Kava: Magnolia Bark Offers A Safe And Effective Alternative To Banned Kava Kava - Helping To Ease Tension And Anxiety

Following the ban on kava kava by the Medicine Control Agency (MCA) at the beginning of this year, after reports linked it to causing liver toxicity, many people who relied on this herb to help overcome anxiety, stress and tension, have been left without an effective way to gain relief from their symptoms.

The clampdown on kava kava caused a great deal of controversy, with many herbal practitioners arguing that used properly the herb relieves anxiety safely. The majority of the patients who suffered liver damage were found to be taking various types of medication and/or alcohol alongside the herb. This is a good example of why you should always consult your doctor before taking natural remedies, particularly if you're on medication, in order to avoid any potential contraindications.

Fortunately, an effective alternative to kava kava finally appears to have been found in magnolia bark, also know by its Latin name Magnolia officinalis. Initial feedback on the treatment from anxiety sufferers has been extremely promising, with reports that it is just as effective as kava kava. More importantly, studies have found that magnolia bark also boasts an impressive safety record.

Improves mood and promotes relaxation
Magnolia bark has been recognised for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic properties. Chinese texts refer to the treatment of 'fear chi' (fear energy) with magnolia bark and claim that it can aid relaxation, increase energy levels and relieve anxiety. It has also been used for treating digestive complaints, particularly those that are stress-related, and breathing difficulties resulting from some form of emotional upheaval.1, 2

Natural chemicals present in the bark, magnolol and honokiol, are thought to be responsible for its anxiety-reducing effects. These two compounds have been shown to help regulate levels of the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol.3, 4

Excessive levels of cortisol are associated not only with causing stress and anxiety but also a number of other conditions, including stress-related obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, memory problems and suppression of the immune system.

While very high doses of honokiol have been found to act as a potent sedative, lower amounts have been shown to possess an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety and anti-stress) action, which does not cause drowsiness.5, 6, 7, 8

Other studies have shown that both honokiol and magnolol are able to promote a more relaxed state by modulating the activity of key chemicals called neurotransmitters and related enzymes in the brain, which encourages the efficient functioning of the brain and improves communication throughout the nervous system.9, 10

Magnolia bark has the added bonus of being an excellent antioxidant too
In Japan, herbal medicine containing magnolia bark has a long history of use as a treatment for depression and anxiety.11

Japanese researchers have found that magnolol and honokiol have many times the antioxidant power of vitamin E. This is particularly impressive as vitamin E is already renowned for being a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown to prevent damage to the arteries - thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Magnolia bark also contains an essential oil called eudesmol, which is also thought to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have the effect of 'mopping up' free radicals which, left unchecked, can inflict cell damage, accelerate the ageing process and increase the risk of serious conditions like cancer.

What to take for best results
The recommended dosage is 300mg magnolia bark extract capsules (based on a standardised two per cent of honokiol) taken one to three times a day, or as otherwise directed on the product label.

WARNING: Due to the fact that higher doses may result in drowsiness, it is recommend that users should avoid being in control of heavy machinery while taking magnolia bark as a precautionary measure.

1. Yang Shou-Zhong. The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica. 1998. Blue Poppy Press, Boulder, Colorado
2. Hong-Yen Hsu, Chau-Shin Hsu. Commonly Used Chinese Herb Formulas. 1980. Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, California
3. Proc Natl Sci Counc Republic China B 13 (4) pp 307-313. October 1989
4. Biochem Pharmacol 60 (3) pp 433-440. August 2000
5. Watanabe K, Goto Y, Yoshitomi K. Central depressant effects of the extracts of magnolia cortex. 1973. Chemical and Pharmacological Bulletin (Tokyo) 21 pp 1700-1708
6. J Pharm Pharmacol 50 (7) pp 819-826. July 1998
7. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 25 pp 605-607. 1975
8. Jan 1999. J Pharm Pharmacol 51 (1) pp 97-103
9. February 1995. Neurosci Lett 186 (1) pp 49-52. February 1995
10. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 28 (3-4) pp 379-384. 2000
11. J. Pharm Pharmacol 52 (11)pp 1425-1429. November 2000