The active ingredients of magnolia bark, honokiol and magnolol have already generated research interest based on their anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. New research finds that they may also exhibit antidepressant-like effects.

The two magnolia constituents are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of respiratory and intestinal disorders.

A team of researchers looked at the effects of honokiol and magnolol on rats with reduced levels of serotonin and adenylyl cyclase, which are lowered in depressed patients. The mixture significantly increased serotonin and adenylyl levels, and normalized other brain chemical concentrations.