Magnolia… anti-fat?!

Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) is a deciduous tree endowed with large fragrant flowers, and is native to the mountains and valleys of China.
Magnolia is an ancient genus, with fossilised specimens dating back to 95 million years ago! It has been suggested that the Magnolia plant appeared before bees did and the flowers evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.

Magnolia is traditionally used in herbal medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression, however latest research, confirms it is also cardioprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and promotes insulin sensitivity and is anti‑obesity.

Let’s focus on this last action for the time being.

In vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that Magnolia improves glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, and also plays a role in improving adipocyte (fat cell) differentiation. Animal studies have shown Magnolia to significantly lower white adipose tissue weight and adipocyte size, and protect against insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet. Well, that’s all very encouraging news!

A herbal mix I have been prescribing in the clinic recently is composed of Magnolia (for all the above reasons!), Gymnema (appetite-inhibiting, regulates blood sugar levels, hypoglycaemic), St Mary’s Thistle (liver protective, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hypercholesterolemia) and Coleus (decreases blood pressure, stimulates thyroid and increases metabolic weight). So far results have been most pleasing especially when combined with the hara hachi bu approach!