Biological activity and toxicity of the Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson (Houpo) and its constituents

Abstract

Traditional Chinese herbal drugs have been used for thousands of years in Chinese pharmacopoeia. The bark of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson, known under the pinyin name “Houpo”, has been traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicines for the treatment of anxiety, asthma, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, and more. Moreover, Magnolia bark extract is a major constituent of currently marketed dietary supplements and cosmetic products. Much pharmacological activity has been reported for this herb and its major compounds, notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antispasmodic effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this have not been elucidated and only a very few clinical trials have been published. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies have also been published and indicate some intriguing features. The present review aims to summarize the literature on M. officinalis bark composition, utilisation, pharmacology, and safety.

概要

中草药已在中国药典中使用了数千年。木兰属的厚朴,主要用于治疗焦虑、哮喘、抑郁症、胃肠道疾病、头痛。其树皮提取物是目前市售的食品补充剂和化妆品的主要成分。厚朴及其主要成分具有多种药理活性,具有抗氧化、抗炎、抗生素和抗痉挛作用。然而,相关机制尚未明确,临床试验也鲜有报道。体外和体内毒性研究已经发现了一些有趣的特征。本文旨在总结关于厚朴的成分、利用、药理学和安全性的文献。