Relora

• Stress reduction
• Cortisol regulation
• Anxiety relief
• Sleep quality improvement

• Weight management support
• Mood stabilization
• Cognitive support
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Antioxidant protection

Relora, a patented blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark extracts, exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms, primarily involving modulation of the GABAergic system, cortisol regulation, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Its anxiolytic, stress-reducing, and weight management properties stem from the synergistic action of bioactive compounds from both plants, particularly honokiol and magnolol from magnolia bark and berberine from phellodendron bark.

These compounds interact with neurotransmitter systems, influence stress hormone regulation, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple pathways.

The optimal dosage of Relora is based on clinical studies and manufacturer recommendations. The standard dose is 250-500 mg daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Most clinical studies have used 250 mg taken twice daily (morning and evening) for a total daily dose of 500 mg. The proprietary blend is standardized to contain specific levels of bioactive compounds from both Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark extracts, though the exact standardization percentages are not always disclosed due to proprietary formulation.

There is no established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Relora as it is not considered an essential nutrient.

Relora is a proprietary blend of extracts from Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark. The bioavailability of its active compounds, including honokiol and magnolol from magnolia and berberine from phellodendron, is influenced by their physicochemical properties and the proprietary extraction and formulation processes. Generally,

these compounds have moderate to low oral bioavailability due to poor water solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and P-glycoprotein efflux.

However , the proprietary processing of Relora may enhance the bioavailability compared to standard extracts of the individual herbs.

General Characteristics: Absorption of Relora’s active compounds occurs primarily in the small intestine, with limited absorption in the stomach. The rate and extent of absorption vary by compound class and are influenced by the proprietary formulation.

Compound Specific Absorption:

General Characteristics: After absorption, Relora’s active compounds are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, with varying degrees of tissue penetration based on their physicochemical properties.

Blood-brain Barrier Penetration: Honokiol and magnolol from the magnolia component can cross the blood-brain barrier due to their lipophilic nature and relatively small molecular size, which is crucial for their neurological effects. Berberine from the phellodendron component has limited BBB penetration but may exert central effects through indirect mechanisms or at specific sites with increased BBB permeability.

Protein Binding: Honokiol and magnolol demonstrate high plasma protein binding (primarily to albumin), ranging from 80-95%. Berberine shows moderate protein binding (30-50%). This protein binding affects their free concentration and tissue distribution but may also protect them from rapid metabolism and elimination.

Tissue Distribution: Magnolia compounds show preferential distribution to the liver, brain, lungs, and adipose tissue due to their lipophilicity. Berberine and other phellodendron alkaloids concentrate in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, with limited distribution to other tissues. The combination of compounds in Relora provides a complementary distribution pattern that may contribute to its overall effects.

General Characteristics: Relora’s active compounds undergo extensive metabolism, primarily in the liver (Phase I and II reactions) and by the gut microbiota.

Hepatic Metabolism: Cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6) catalyze oxidation, reduction, and hydroxylation reactions of honokiol, magnolol, and berberine., Conjugation reactions, including glucuronidation (via UDP-glucuronosyltransferases) and sulfation (via sulfotransferases), are common for honokiol, magnolol, and their phase I metabolites. Berberine undergoes demethylation and glucuronidation.

Gut Microbial Metabolism: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in metabolizing Relora compounds, particularly through demethylation, reduction, and dehydroxylation reactions. These microbial metabolites may contribute to the bioactivity of Relora. Berberine is converted to dihydroberberine by gut microbiota, which may have enhanced absorption.

Metabolic Pathways:

General Characteristics: Relora’s active compounds and their metabolites are primarily eliminated via biliary excretion followed by fecal elimination, with some renal excretion of water-soluble metabolites.

Half Life: The elimination half-life varies among compounds: honokiol and magnolol typically have half-lives of 4-6 hours in humans, while berberine has a half-life of 4-8 hours. Some metabolites may have longer half-lives.

Excretion Routes: Conjugated metabolites are excreted in bile and appear in feces after potential deconjugation by gut bacteria. Some water-soluble metabolites are excreted in urine. The proprietary formulation of Relora may influence the excretion patterns of its active compounds.

Enterohepatic Circulation: Honokiol and magnolol glucuronides undergo significant enterohepatic circulation, where they are excreted in bile, deconjugated by gut bacteria, reabsorbed, and recirculated. Berberine and its metabolites also undergo enterohepatic circulation. This process can extend their presence in the body and contribute to their sustained effects.

Extraction Process: The proprietary extraction process used for Relora may enhance the bioavailability of active compounds compared to standard extracts of the individual herbs. The specific details of this process are not publicly disclosed but may involve optimized solvent systems, particle size reduction, or other techniques to improve dissolution and absorption.

Standardization: Relora is standardized to contain specific levels of bioactive compounds, ensuring consistent potency and bioavailability across batches. The exact standardization parameters are proprietary but likely focus on honokiol, magnolol, and berberine content.

Formulation Advantages: The specific formulation of Relora may include excipients or processing techniques that enhance dissolution, protect compounds from degradation, or improve absorption. The combination of magnolia and phellodendron extracts may also provide synergistic effects on bioavailability through mechanisms such as P-glycoprotein inhibition.

Relora, a proprietary blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark extracts, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance. It is generally well-tolerated by most individuals at recommended doses, with few reported adverse effects. The safety profile benefits from both the traditional use history of its component herbs and modern clinical evaluations. However, certain populations should exercise caution, and potential interactions with medications should be considered.

The safety profile is best established for short to medium-term use (up to 6 months), with less data available on very long-term consumption.

Common Mild:

Rare Serious:

Pediatric:

• Limited data on safety in children. Not generally recommended for individuals under 18 years unless under healthcare provider supervision.
• Not established for pediatric use.
• Potential for increased sensitivity to neurological effects; limited safety data in this population.

Geriatric:

• Generally safe in older adults, with potential benefits for age-related sleep disturbances and stress. May be more sensitive to effects due to age-related changes in metabolism.
• Start with lower doses (250 mg daily) and titrate slowly. May be more sensitive to sedative effects.
• Increased risk of drug interactions due to polypharmacy common in older adults; potential for enhanced sedation or dizziness; monitor for effects on blood pressure.

Pregnant And Lactating:

• Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data and traditional cautions about potential uterine stimulant effects of component herbs.
• Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.
• No adequate studies in pregnant or lactating women; animal studies insufficient to establish safety profile for pregnancy.

Hepatic Impairment:

• Caution advised due to extensive hepatic metabolism of key compounds. Severe liver disease is a contraindication.
• Avoid use in severe liver impairment; consider reduced doses (50% of standard) in mild to moderate impairment if used.
• Monitor liver function tests if used regularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease.

Renal Impairment:

• Limited data, but likely safe in mild to moderate renal impairment as most active compounds undergo hepatic metabolism with limited renal elimination.
• No specific adjustments needed for mild to moderate impairment; use caution in severe renal disease.
• No specific monitoring required beyond standard care for renal disease.

Psychiatric Conditions:

• Generally safe for anxiety and stress-related conditions, but caution advised in bipolar disorder and severe depression.
• Theoretical risk of triggering manic episodes in bipolar disorder; potential for sedation that could worsen certain depressive symptoms.
• Use under healthcare provider supervision in individuals with significant psychiatric conditions.

Acute Toxicity:

• No established LD50 in humans; animal studies show low toxicity with LD50 > 2000 mg/kg for the component extracts in rodents
• No formal maximum tolerated dose established; clinical studies have used up to 750 mg/day without significant adverse effects
• Theoretical symptoms might include excessive sedation, hypotension, gastrointestinal distress, and dizziness, though documented cases are extremely rare
• Supportive care; symptoms expected to resolve within 24-48 hours due to relatively short half-life of active compounds

Chronic Toxicity:

• Clinical studies up to 6 months show favorable safety profile; traditional use of component herbs suggests safety with long-term consumption, though modern controlled studies of very long-term use are limited
• No evidence of carcinogenic potential; some studies suggest potential anti-cancer properties of key compounds
• No mutagenic effects observed in standard assays; some studies suggest DNA-protective effects
• Insufficient data in humans; some traditional sources suggest avoiding during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects of component herbs
• No specific organ toxicity identified in clinical studies or post-marketing surveillance at recommended doses

Adulteration:

• Substitution of authentic Magnolia officinalis or Phellodendron amurense with related species; use of spent material (previously extracted bark); addition of synthetic compounds to mimic activity
• HPLC analysis of honokiol, magnolol, and berberine content; microscopic analysis; DNA barcoding
• Purchase from reputable sources; look for products with third-party testing certification; authentic Relora is a registered trademark with quality control standards

Contamination:

• Heavy metals (particularly from Chinese sources), pesticide residues, microbial contamination, mycotoxins
• Should meet USP, EP, or equivalent pharmacopeial standards for herbal preparations
• Third-party testing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification, organic cultivation when possible

Standardization Issues:

• Consistency of active compound ratios between batches; stability of active compounds during shelf life
• Honokiol and magnolol content from magnolia; berberine content from phellodendron; ratio between compounds
• Look for products that specify standardization parameters; check for expiration dates and proper storage conditions

Us Fda: Sold as dietary supplement under DSHEA regulations; not approved as a drug; Relora is a registered trademark

European Medicines Agency: Not approved as a medicinal product; sold as food supplement in many EU countries

Health Canada: Listed as a Natural Health Product (NHP) ingredient with approved claims for sleep aid, digestive aid, and anxiolytic

Australia Tga: Listed complementary medicine with approved indications for mild anxiety and sleep disorders

International Status: Regulatory status varies by country; generally regulated as a dietary supplement or traditional medicine ingredient

Reported Adverse Events: Very few serious adverse events reported despite widespread use since early 2000s

Pharmacovigilance Data: Consistent with favorable safety profile established in clinical studies

Case Reports: Isolated case reports of allergic reactions and mild sedation; causal relationship not always established

Longest Duration Studies: Clinical studies up to 6 months show continued favorable safety profile; longer-term safety based primarily on traditional use of component herbs and post-marketing surveillance

Theoretical Concerns: Potential for hormonal effects with very long-term use due to weak phytoestrogen activity of some compounds (though significantly weaker than endogenous hormones)

Monitoring Recommendations: No specific monitoring required for long-term use in healthy individuals; periodic liver function testing may be considered in those with pre-existing liver conditions or taking multiple medications

Classification: Dietary supplement ingredient under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994)

Approved Uses: No approved drug uses; marketed as dietary supplement only

Supplement Status: Legal for sale as dietary supplement; not approved as a food additive

Labeling Restrictions: Cannot make disease claims; structure/function claims must include disclaimer that FDA has not evaluated the claim

Adverse Event Reporting: Serious adverse events must be reported by manufacturers to FDA within 15 days

Manufacturing Requirements: Must comply with dietary supplement cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) under 21 CFR Part 111

United States Pharmacopeia: Not currently monographed in USP-NF

European Pharmacopoeia: Not officially monographed as combination; component herbs may have individual monographs

British Pharmacopoeia: Not officially monographed as combination; component herbs may have individual monographs

Chinese Pharmacopoeia: Component herbs have official monographs; combination not monographed

Japanese Pharmacopoeia: Component herbs may have official monographs; combination not monographed

International Pharmacopoeia: Not officially monographed

Moderate to high, depending on brand and formulation

$0.50-$1.50 per day for standard Relora (250-500mg daily); $0.70-$2.00 per day for premium or enhanced formulations; $0.40-$1.20 per day for generic magnolia-phellodendron blends claiming to be equivalent

Overview: Relora offers good value for its stress-reducing and cortisol-regulating effects compared to many conventional and alternative options. As a patented, clinically-studied formulation, it typically commands a premium price compared to generic herbal supplements but provides the advantage of standardization and research validation. The cost-benefit ratio is particularly favorable for stress-related conditions, sleep disturbances with an anxiety component, and stress-related eating patterns. Generic magnolia-phellodendron blends may offer lower cost but lack the specific research validation of the proprietary Relora formulation.

Cost Comparison To Alternatives:

Cost Effectiveness By Form:

Conventional Insurance: Generally not covered by health insurance in the United States and most Western countries

Health Savings Accounts: May be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity in the US

Integrative Medicine Plans: Some specialized integrative medicine insurance plans may provide partial coverage

International Variations: Generally not covered by national health insurance systems; occasionally covered by complementary medicine insurance riders in some European countries

Capsules Tablets: 2-3 years when stored in original container at room temperature away from moisture

Powder: 1-2 years when stored in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture

Liquid Extracts: 1-2 years due to potential degradation of active compounds in solution

Combination Products: Varies by formulation, typically 1-3 years; follow manufacturer’s expiration dating

Synthesis Methods

Natural Sources

Quality Considerations

Common Adulterants

Sustainability Considerations

Geographical Considerations

Commercial Forms

Proprietary Considerations

Supply Chain Considerations

Authentication Methods

Relora is a modern proprietary blend of two traditional medicinal plants: Magnolia officinalis (Chinese magnolia) and Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree).

While Relora itself was developed in the early 2000s, its component herbs have rich historical usage spanning over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other East Asian medical systems. The development of Relora represents a contemporary application of traditional botanical knowledge, combining

these herbs in a standardized form

specifically targeted at stress reduction, cortisol regulation, and related conditions.

Relora, a patented blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark extracts, has been the subject of several scientific studies investigating its effects on stress, anxiety, cortisol levels, sleep, and weight management. The evidence base includes in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials, with the strongest evidence supporting its stress-reducing, cortisol-regulating, and anxiolytic effects.

While the number of published clinical trials is modest compared to some conventional pharmaceuticals, the available studies show consistent positive results with minimal adverse effects. Research on the individual component herbs and their active compounds provides additional supporting evidence for Relora’s mechanisms and potential applications.

Investigation of Relora for stress-related immune dysfunction, Exploration of potential applications in metabolic syndrome and obesity through multiple pathways, Research on effects on gut microbiome composition and gut-brain axis signaling, Studies on long-term safety and efficacy for chronic anxiety conditions, Investigation of potential applications in neurodegenerative conditions, Exploration of synergistic effects with other anxiolytic herbs and nutrients, Development of enhanced delivery systems to improve bioavailability, Research on genetic factors affecting individual response to Relora, Studies on effects in special populations including elderly and adolescents, Investigation of potential applications in addiction and withdrawal syndromes

Strength Of Evidence: Moderate overall; stronger for stress reduction and cortisol regulation; moderate for sleep and anxiety; preliminary to moderate for weight management

Consistency Of Findings: Generally consistent positive findings across studies for primary outcomes related to stress and anxiety

Applicability To General Population: Most studies conducted in healthy adults with moderate stress; limited evidence in clinical populations with diagnosed conditions

Risk Of Bias: Some studies funded by manufacturers; limited number of large, independent trials

Overall Assessment: Sufficient evidence to support use for stress reduction and related conditions in generally healthy adults; promising but not definitive evidence for clinical anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, or weight management