Magnolia dealbata is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family of plants. Like all flowering plants, Magnolia dealbata is a rich source of phytochemicals. Some of these phytochemicals are responsible for the pharmacological activity of Magnolia dealbata that includes mood elevating properties. For example, in one study, researchers administered Magnolia dealbata extracts to mice and exposed to mice to experimental stress. The Magnolia dealbata extracts caused a significant attenuation of the anxiety experienced by the mice. Furthermore this effect became more apparent at higher doses, suggesting that there was a dose response from the extracts. Further the Magnolia dealbata extracts also prolonged the sleep time of the mice and prevented seizures, suggesting that there were significant effects on the central nervous system, likely through the GABA system.
Magnolia dealbata is used in Mexican traditional medicine as a cure for anxiety. The aerial parts of the tree, usually the bark or leaves, can be used as inclusions and these are taken in a similar way to normal teas. Magnolia dealbata is also used as a tranquiliser. Image from: By Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:// commons.wikimedia.org /w/ index.php?curid=655799.
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Martinez, A. L., Dominguez, F., Orozco, S., Chavez, M., Salgado, H., Gonzalez, M. and González-Trujano, M. E. 2006. Neuropharmacological effects of an ethanol extract of the Magnolia dealbata Zucc. leaves in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 106(2): 250-255
Gutiérreza, S. L. G., Chilpab, R. R. and Jaimea, H. B. 2014. Medicinal plants for the treatment of “nervios”, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine. Rev Bras Farmacogn. 24: 591-608
