Magnolia appears to be pretty safe in the few studies that are available. However, it is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy or if you think you might be pregnant since there have been some reports of Magnolia acting as a uterine stimulant. A uterine stimulant makes the uterus contract and could cause the body to abort. It is also warned that Magnolia could result in excessive drowsiness if taken with alcohol, antidepressants, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian and any other substance that may cause one to feel sleepy.
Phellodendron is considered safe as long as it is used in the recommended dose and is generally fine for use by adults. It should not be used in children, especially newborns since it has been shown to potentially cause brain damage. Phellodendron should also be avoided if you are pregnant or breast feeding because the active ingredients in the herb can cross the placenta or get into the breast milk. Phellodendron can also cause an enzyme in the body to slow down, there is a possibility that it can result in higher levels of drugs in the blood. You should check with your physician before taking Phellodendron if you are on any other medications.
One clinical study looked at the two herbs together in a popular product called Relora. In this one clinical study, "one patient reported heartburn, shaking hands, perilabial numbness, sexual dysfunction, and thyroid dysfunction. Another patient reported fatigue and headache" (2), unfortunately, there have not been any other studies done on these two herbs together.
Overall, Magnolia and Phellodendron are pretty safe when used properly, whether they are taken alone or together. If you do experience any side effects though, stop taking the herbs immediately.
References:
1.Jellin JM. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed online: May 18, 2008. Available at: www.naturaldatabase.com
2.Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, Schwartz HI, Krieger DR, Garrison R. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutr J. 2008 Apr 21; 7:11
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Magnolia and Phellodendron
Magnolia appears to be pretty safe in the few studies that are available. However, it is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy or if you think you might be pregnant since there have been some reports of Magnolia acting as a uterine stimulant. A uterine stimulant makes the uterus contract and could cause the body to abort. It is also warned that Magnolia could result in excessive drowsiness if taken with alcohol, antidepressants, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian and any other substance that may cause one to feel sleepy.
Phellodendron is considered safe as long as it is used in the recommended dose and is generally fine for use by adults. It should not be used in children, especially newborns since it has been shown to potentially cause brain damage. Phellodendron should also be avoided if you are pregnant or breast feeding because the active ingredients in the herb can cross the placenta or get into the breast milk. Phellodendron can also cause an enzyme in the body to slow down, there is a possibility that it can result in higher levels of drugs in the blood. You should check with your physician before taking Phellodendron if you are on any other medications.
One clinical study looked at the two herbs together in a popular product called Relora. In this one clinical study, "one patient reported heartburn, shaking hands, perilabial numbness, sexual dysfunction, and thyroid dysfunction. Another patient reported fatigue and headache" (2), unfortunately, there have not been any other studies done on these two herbs together.
Overall, Magnolia and Phellodendron are pretty safe when used properly, whether they are taken alone or together. If you do experience any side effects though, stop taking the herbs immediately.
References:
1.Jellin JM. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed online: May 18, 2008. Available at: www.naturaldatabase.com
2.Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, Schwartz HI, Krieger DR, Garrison R. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutr J. 2008 Apr 21; 7:11
May 18, 2008 - 11:55amThis Comment
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