Effect of a proprietary <it>Magnolia </it>and <it>Phellodendron </it>extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

• Main Authors: Schwartz Howard I, Feldman Robert, Feldman Samantha, Kalman Douglas S, Krieger Diane R, Garrison Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-04-01
• Series: Nutrition Journal
• Online Access: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/11

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent research has established correlations between stress, anxiety, insomnia and excess body weight and these correlations have significant implications for health. This study measured the effects of a proprietary blend of extracts of <it>Magnolia officinalis </it>and <it>Phellodendron amurense (</it>Relora^®) on anxiety, stress and sleep in healthy premenopausal women.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This randomized, parallel, placebo controlled clinical stud<b>y </b>was conducted with healthy, overweight (BMI 25 to 34.9), premenopausal female adults, between the ages of 20 and 50 years, who typically eat more in response to stressful situations and scores above the national mean for women on self-reporting anxiety. The intervention w<b>as </b>Relora (250 mg capsules) or identical placebo 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE-TRAIT questionnaires, salivary amylase and cortisol levels, Likert Scales/Visual Analog Scores for sleep quality and latency, appetite, and clinical markers of safety. The study was conducted by Miami Research Associates, a clinical research organization in Miami, FL.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The intent-to-treat population consisted of 40 subjects with 26 participants completing the study. There were no significant adverse events. Relora was effective, in comparison to placebo, in reducing temporary, transitory anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE anxiety questionnaire. It was not effective in reducing long-standing feelings of anxiety or depression as measured using the Spielberger TRAIT questionnaire. Other assessments conducted in this study including salivary cortisol and amylase levels, appetite, body morphology and sleep quality/latency were not significantly changed by Relora in comparison to placebo.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This pilot study indicates that Relora may offer some relief for premenopausal women experiencing mild transitory anxiety. There were no safety concerns or significant adverse events observed in this study.</p>