When we’re stressed, our body increases production of the hormone cortisol.¹

When cortisol is elevated for prolonged periods, it may lead to weight gain, higher blood glucose levels, and higher blood pressure.¹

Human studies show that increased stress is associated with accelerated aging and abnormalities of metabolism and immune function.²

Stress has even been linked to shortening of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes.^3-5 Telomere shortening has been associated with reduced lifespan.⁶

Scientists have identified plant extracts with anti-stress, anti-anxiety, and cortisol-lowering effects.

In clinical trials, these botanicals helped maintain healthy levels of cortisol and reduce levels of psychological stress.^7-10

These extracts have been investigated for their potential role in managing stress and its impact on health.

How Stress Damages Health

A large observational study in nearly two-and-a-half million people worldwide found that daily stress has increased over recent decades, in a range of different populations.¹¹

That can take a serious toll. In human studies, increased stress is linked to accelerated aging, metabolic abnormalities, and weakened immunity.²

In the scientific search for the cause of this damage, one suspect is cortisol, a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. Under normal conditions, cortisol levels peak after awakening and slowly decline throughout the day, remaining low at night.¹²

During times of stress, cortisol levels rise, which is why it is often referred to as the "stress hormone."¹² In the short term, that helps the body cope. But chronic stress may disrupt healthy cortisol regulation and lead to persistently elevated levels,^1,2 which may result in:¹³

• Elevated blood glucose,^2,14
• High blood pressure,^14,15
• Fatigue,^13,15 and
• Difficulty sleeping.¹³

Human studies have confirmed the association with immune and metabolic disruptions and accelerated biological aging, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, immune dysfunction, and adverse mental health outcomes.²

Stress is associated with shorter telomeres,¹⁶ the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Shortening of telomeres is associated with premature aging and increased risk of disease and death.¹⁷

Fortunately, several plant extracts have been found to reduce stress and maintain healthy cortisol levels.

Magnolia and Phellodendron Bark

The barks of two trees, magnolia and phellodendron (also known as the cork tree), contain compounds that have been studied for their potential to help alleviate stress.

In animal models, extracts of these plants have been observed to reduce markers of stress.

Each extract demonstrates these benefits alone, but a combination of the two has been shown in a placebo-controlled clinical trial to reduce measures of stress and anxiety.¹⁰

In multiple human studies, a combination of magnolia and phellodendron bark extracts reduced anxiety scores, improved self-reported feelings of well-being, and lowered cortisol levels.^7,8,10

In one clinical study, for example, adults with moderate stress who took 250 mg of the magnolia-phellodendron blend twice daily for four weeks had 18% lower cortisol levels than those taking a placebo.¹⁰

Participants taking the extracts reported lower overall stress scores compared to placebo, including a:10

• 13% reduction in tension,
• 20% reduction in depression,
• 42% reduction in anger,
• 31% reduction in fatigue,
• 27% reduction in confusion,
• 18% increase in vigor, and
• 11% improvement in mood.

Lychee and Green Tea Extract

Extracts of lychee fruit¹⁸ and green tea¹⁹ have been studied for potential health effects.

For example, scientists combined lychee fruit and green tea leaf extracts and tested them in human studies.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial, healthy young men took 200 mg of a lychee–green tea blend daily for one week or a placebo, followed by a two-week washout period, then switched treatments.⁹

After each phase, participants underwent 30 minutes of hot water immersion to induce heat stress. Compared with placebo, the lychee–green tea blend blunted increases in the proinflammatory factors IL-1_β and IL-6 after heat exposure.⁹

Overall, short-term lychee-green tea blend supplementation was associated with lower inflammatory responses and enhanced immune cell activity during acute heat stress in healthy men.

Chronic stress has also been associated with increased risk of fatty liver and obesity. Scientists have tested the lychee-green tea blend in both of these conditions.

In one clinical study, adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) took 100 mg of the extract blend or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. MRI scans showed a statistically significant reduction in liver fat in the extract group compared to placebo. Changes in the gut microbiome were also observed, including a reduction in potentially pathogenic bacteria and an increase in bacteria considered beneficial.²⁰

In a study published in 2025, overweight adults who took the lychee-green tea blend daily for 12 weeks had a significant reduction in dangerous visceral fat compared to those receiving a placebo.²¹

Combining extracts of lychee, green tea leaf, magnolia bark, and phellodendron bark may help manage stress, support healthy cortisol levels, and contribute to overall health.

Summary

Chronic stress causes an increase in levels of cortisol, which can lead to elevated blood glucose, high blood pressure, weight gain, and depressed immune function.

That may increase risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and other health problems.

A blend of extracts of magnolia bark and phellodendron bark reduced cortisol levels and eased feelings of stress, anger, and tension in a clinical study.

In other clinical studies, a lychee fruit-green tea leaf extract blend reduced cortisol levels and produced improvements in measures of stress, anger, and tension.

A combination of these four nutrients may help manage stress and support healthy cortisol levels.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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