Natural Herb Library

Bark of Officinal Magnolia — Safety & Interactions

Hou Pu · Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis

Contraindications

  • Qi deficiency or dryness without true stagnation, dampness, or phlegm obstruction
  • Yin deficiency dryness with depleted fluids and no damp blockage

Cautions

  • Its warm, aromatic, drying nature can aggravate thirst, dry constipation, or depletion if used too aggressively in already dry patients
  • Use with caution during pregnancy because its strong Qi-moving and descending action may disturb fetal stability in susceptible patients

Drug Interactions

Drug Class / Substrate Mechanism Severity Source
Diabetes medications Magnolia bark extract may enhance glucose-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypoglycemia Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis
Sleep or anxiety medications Magnolia bark extract may increase sedative or anxiolytic effects Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis
Blood thinners Magnolia bark extract may increase bleeding risk Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis
CYP450 substrate drugs Magnolia bark extract may alter drug metabolism and change the effects of medications handled by CYP pathways Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis
P-gp substrate drugs Magnolia bark extract may alter transporter-mediated drug disposition and modify medication exposure Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis
UGT substrate drugs Magnolia bark extract may alter glucuronidation-dependent drug clearance Moderate Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Magnolia officinalis

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.