Relora® is a research-backed blend of two traditional herbs that help alleviate the negative consequences of stress.

Relora is a branded combination of bark extracts from two medical Chinese trees known for their stress-relieving effects. This review describes how Relora differs from basic magnolia and phellodendron supplements:

• Patented combination. Unlike typical single-ingredient magnolia or phellodendron products, Relora combines the two herbs together in a synergistic blend that uses patented extracts.
• Clinical Research. Relora has been the subject of several placebo-controlled human studies that provide evidence for its advertised benefits.

Overview

Relora is a branded anti-stress supplement that combines extracts from the barks of magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense), two Chinese trees traditionally used to relieve stress.

Relora stands out from standard magnolia and phellodendron supplements due to the fact that it combines the two herbs in a synergistic blend and is backed by clinical research. So far, human trials have found that Relora:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves mood & sleep
• Helps manage weight by curbing stress-related eating

Relora is proposed to work mainly through reducing the levels of cortisol – the body’s main stress hormone. Elevated cortisol can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to sleep disturbances, and even weight gain by causing strong cravings for high-fat, high-sugar “comfort foods.”

In addition, Relora’s main active ingredients – honokiol from magnolia and berberine from phellodendron – are believed to bind to brain receptors involved in regulating mood, appetite, and anxiety, such as the serotonin and GABA receptors.

Relora Patents

Relora Magnolia Extract

Relora’s magnolia extract portion is patented for helping with insomnia, restlessness, and weight gain – particularly due to stress and poor sleep (US Patent 6582735). According to this patent, Relora works through helping maintain healthy levels of cortisol. On the other hand, the patent for Relora’s phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) extract component is still pending.

More on the anti-stress effects of magnolia, Relora’s major ingredient.

Relora Nutritional Supplement Uses

Stress Supplements

As a standalone supplement, Relora is most commonly sold as an anti-stress product that can help alleviate stress symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, and poor sleep. In addition, it is also sometimes combined with other stress and relaxation-promoting herbs & nutrients such as ashwagandha, theanine, and magnesium.

Fat Loss Supplements

Relora may also be included in in fat burners and other weight loss supplements because it can help curb appetite, especially in the context of stress eating. In this context, Relora is believed to work through not only reducing stress but also regulating receptors of serotonin and GABA – neurotransmitters that control satiety and relaxation.

Nootropic Supplements

Because chronic stress can have debilitating effects on brain function such as forgetfulness & poor concentration, Relora also has the potential to be used as an ingredient in nootropic supplements.

Sleep Aids

Sleeplessness is one of the major negative consequences of chronic stress & anxiety. As such, Rolera can potentially be utilized in natural sleep aids, especially in combination with other sleep-promoting herbs such as valerian.

Multivitamin Supplements

Relora is sometimes included in multivitamin products, especially ones designed to improve energy & recovery. In this context, Relora is used to improve sleep, curb food cravings, and optimize levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone proposed to have many health benefits such as increased sex drive and muscle mass.

Relora Research

Human Research

Human studies of Relora supplementation report reductions in stress and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and mood.

• The researchers concluded that “…Relora may offer some relief for  women experiencing mild transitory anxiety.”²

Relora (750 mg) may help curb stress eating in overweight women

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 overweight women (aged 20 – 50) who stress eat were given placebo or Relora (250 mg) capsules 3 times daily for 6 weeks. On average, body weight in the Relora group remained the same, while the placebo group gained 1.5 kg. In addition, the Relora group had lower cortisol levels at bedtime.

• The researchers concluded that “…obese subjects who eat in response to stress may benefit from taking a dietary supplement ingredient containing proprietary extracts of M officinalis and P amurense.” ³

Relora-containing multivitamin (200 mg) appears to improve sleep in athletes

This randomized, placebo-controlled study looked at the effects of a single dose of a multivitamin plus Relora on sleep in athletes. A total of 66 recreational cyclists were given placebo (P), a multivitamin (MV), or a multivitamin with 200 mg Relora (MVE) the night before an endurance cycling event. Athletes taking MVE fell asleep an average of 28 minutes faster than placebo; in addition, those who didnt take MVE reported lower sleep quality than normal.

• The researchers concluded that “Athletes with an early next day event may experience improved sleep quality and quantity with no perceived effects on readiness with an acute supplementation of the MVE.” ⁴

Relora Dosage

• Standalone Relora supplements typically come in 250 mg capsules
• Multi-ingredient products typically contain 150 – 200 mg of Relora, although some can have as much as 500 mg
• Most human studies use 250 mg capsule doses taken 3 times daily