GutClear® - reboot your gut

GutClear® is a SIBO supplement that contains microbe-balancing plant substances and is available in capsules.

GutClear® consists of magnolia tree bark and berberine. Bark from the magnolia tree may contribute to normal bowel function and has microbe-balancing effects. With less bacteria and fungi in the small intestine, the digestion of dietary fibers is prevented there, which means that these fibers can continue to the large intestine. In the large intestine, the bacteria can digest these fibers instead and thereby help with a normalised bowel function and regular bowel emptying. 

GutClear® is registered with the Patent and Registration Office, no. 616571

Ingredients: bark from the magnolia tree and berberine.

Country of origin: bark from the magnolia tree and berberine have their origin from China. The manufacture of GutClear® takes place in Sweden.

GutClear® capsule

Number of doses per package: 60 capsules of 804 mg per capsule

One capsule contains powder of:

• 400 mg bark from the mangolia tree (Magnolia officialis Rehder & E.H.W, China)
• 300 mg of berberine (China)
• 4 mg stabilizing agent (Silicon dioxide, E551) 

• In case of hypersensitivity to magnolia bark or berberine, GutClear® should not be taken.
• GutClear® cannot be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• GutClear® cannot be taken if the colon has been removed.
• GutClear® is not recommended for children.
• Intake of lactic acid products (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, kefir, etc.), or food supplements containing lactic acid bacteria at the same time as GutClear® can lead to reduced effectiveness. Lactic acid products or food supplements containing lactic acid bacteria, on the other hand, can be advantageously taken the day after completing a round of GutClear®.

Storage: Dry at room temperature and inaccessible to children under 12 years of age.

GutClear®, a dietary supplement for SIBO, does not replace a well-rounded diet.
Always contact a medical practitioner before taking dietary supplements. 

Please see additional information on the package leaflet via the link www.gutfeelinglabs.se/bipacksedlar 

After taking GutClear® in powder form, lighter sensations from the stomach can sometimes be experienced, which can be relieved by a sip of coffee, tea or juice. 
You may experience increased gas, which can be seen as a “receipt” that the dietary fibers have not been consumed buy the unwelcome bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) but arrived in the large intestine, where these fibers belong and can be properly digested. 
After the first dose, you may experience temporary cleansing symptoms such as fatigue and/or headache, which is normal and related to the antimicrobial effect. In these cases, you may to take a break for 1-2 days and then re-start with 1 capsule again after the break, and then increase to 2 capsules daily (at the same time).

What should I do to prevent my upset stomach from returning after finishing a package of GutClear®?

• Try taking a maintenance dose of GutClear® 1-2 times a week for 5-10 weeks.
• Try not to eat at least four hours between meals to allow the small intestine to empty itself of food ( avoid snacks).
• Try drinking ½ glass of water containing 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar about 20 minutes before a meal.
• Try intermittent fasting, for example skipping breakfast, which can result in a beneficial intestinal emptying and rest between the evening meal and lunch for 14-16 hours).
• Try regular exercise (walking/strolling are good alternatives).
• Chronic stress negatively affects the functioning of the stomach and intestines. See if you can reduce the stress in your life, for example through mindfulness, relaxation exercises and walks in nature.

If I have already taken a round of GutClear® and want to continue, how long can I do this?

If you have taken a round of 10-20 days with GutClear® and experience some persistent issues, we recommend that you continue immediately with a round of 10-20 days, alternatively 1-2 doses per week for 5-10 weeks.

If several months have passed since I took GutClear®, how should I start again if I feel I need this?

We suggest a new round of GutClear® for 10-20 days straight, or as 1-2 doses per week for 5-10 weeks.

Can I take GutClear® as needed to keep SIBO at bay?

Many people take a dose of GutClear® after a weekend of irregular and frequent meals, alcohol, too little sleep and stress to neutralise unwelcome bacteria in the gut when a new week begins. Others take GutClear® regularly 1-2 times a week to keep SIBO at bay.

How do you know that GutClear® only removes bacteria in the small intestine and not in the large intestine?

When we compare results from gut microbiome tests before and after a person has taken GutClear®, we see in most cases that the diversity of bacteria is unchanged and not infrequently we see that the diversity has increased. This is a strong indication that antimicrobials in GutClear® do not reach the colon.

Since bacteria in the small intestine “steal” the dietary fibers that would actually benefit bacteria in the large intestine, it can be assumed that when the bacterial level in the small intestine is reduced through GutClear®, more fibers can pass through the small intestine without being digested by bacteria there and instead end up in the large intestine where these bacteria can benefit and grow in number. A "receipt" that increased amounts of dietary fiber have reached the large intestine is that after a few days with GutClear® you often experience increased gas, which then subsides. This is because an increased access to dietary fiber can temporarily increase gas production by the colon bacteria. The gas decreases when the bacterial population in the large intestine is balanced.

Does GutClear® have any side effects?

If you have had pronounced SIBO for a long time, you may experience flu-like symptoms and nausea the first 1-3 days with GutClear®. It may be due to the release of breakdown products and toxins from large amounts of killed bacteria in the small intestine. It's called the Herxheimer's reaction and does not affect your health. Still, we often recommend taking a break with GutClear® for 1-2 days before starting again. If you take the capsules, start with 1 capsule again after the break, and then increase to 3 capsules daily.

​​I did not notice any effect from GutClear®. What should I do?

We recommend that you continue to take GutClear® at the same dose daily for another round of 10-20 days days, alternatively, take 1-2 doses of GutClear® (powder or capsules) per week for 5-10 weeks.

How should I eat while taking GutClear®

Eat as you usually do. If you wish to eat food containing lactic acid bacteria (fermented food, cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir), please have these in the afternoon (when you have taken GutClear® 20 min in the morning). These extra bacteria can reduce the effect of GutClear® on the bacteria that have colonized the small intestine (SIBO). 

How do I maintain the effect of GutClear®?

It's about preventing new colonization (overgrowth) of bacteria in the small intestine. You can do this by taking a dose of GutClear® as needed when you feel discomfort in your stomach. It is also important to keep bowel activity going, for example, by avoiding chronic stress, as this may inhibit bowel movements. Try to find something that gives you recovery, such as walking, mindfulness, yoga, and - if possible - avoiding chronic stress.

Chronic stress affects and inhibits the body's longest nerve, the vagus nerve. Whose nerve endings enter the intestinal wall and stimulate intestinal peristalsis (bowel movements) and digestion. Stress can also cause the valve between the large and the small intestine to not function optimally, i.e., not keeping tight. The critical task of the valve is to prevent bacteria from migrating from the large intestine to the small intestine and, thus, the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

Why do you get an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine?

Stress is a natural part of our lives and is a function that can mobilize energy for special needs. However, chronic stress can, among other things, lead to an imbalanced stomach with increased levels of bacteria in the small intestine. Digestion of dietary fiber usually takes place in the large intestine, which is adapted to handle large amounts of bacteria. Significantly, the large intestine has two mucus layers, unlike the small intestine, which has only one. The deeper mucus layer in the colon is a powerful barrier against bacteria. This inner layer allows the large intestine to handle large amounts of bacteria without negatively affecting the intestinal mucosa or entering the bloodstream.

When a lot of bacteria digest dietary fibers in the small intestine, this can lead to an affected intestinal function with a tense and sore stomach between meals. It may also negatively impact the intestinal mucosa's immune and nervous systems via endotoxins and metabolic by-products.

In English-language literature, this overgrowth is called "small intestinal bacterial overgrowth" and is abbreviated SIBO. SIBO is not a diagnosis per se, but an abbreviation often used to describe this overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

What can it mean to have too many bacteria in the small intestine?

The small intestine is not made to handle high amounts of bacteria. Suppose there are too many bacteria in the small intestine. In that case, the digestion of fibers from the diet occurs there. It results in unfavorable gas production and other bacterial byproducts that can irritate the small intestinal mucosa. This negatively affects the nervous system and the immune system along the small intestine. 

Why should one have 100 million times fewer bacteria in the small intestine than in the large intestine?

The small intestine is sometimes called "the little brain" because of the large number of nerve cells located along the small intestine wall. A large part of the body's immune system is also located along the permeable mucosa (lining) of the small intestine. By-products from the metabolism of bacteria can damage the mucosa of the small intestine and make it even more permeable (leaky gut), thereby negatively affecting the nerve and immune cells in the small intestine wall. Often, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine affects the functioning of the small intestine. It may lead to the inability to process, for example, bread, milk products, eggs, and fish. 

Should you increase your dietary fiber intake if your stomach is sore and bloated between meals?

If you suffer from SIBO, increased dietary fiber intake can provide additional nutrition to the bacteria and produce even more gas and bacterial byproducts, worsening the discomfort you already have.

How can GutClear® help me?

In GutClear® the bioactive and microbe-balancing substances can be continuously secreted as it passes through the small intestine. By neutralizing bacteria in the small intestine, bacterial digestion of dietary fiber can be prevented from occurring there and instead take place in the large intestine which, unlike the small intestine, is adapted for this bacterial breakdown process.

Can I take GutClear® if I have had gastric bypass?

Yes, but take only 1 capsule per day.

We think it's important that you are informed of the scientific work supporting our statements. Here you will find scientific references that support our claims.

References on the gastrointestinal system:

1. Wang, Shao-Xuan and Wu, Wan-Chun. ”Effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and bacteria and mucosa in mice.” World J Gastroenterol. 2005;11(13):2016-2021. doi:10.3748/wjg.v11.i13.2016
2. Chander Roland, Bani et al. “A Prospective Evaluation of Ileocecal Valve Dysfunction and Intestinal Motility Derangements in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.” Digestive diseases and sciences 62,12 (2017): 3525-3535. doi:10.1007/s10620-017-4726-4
3. Jacobs, C et al. “Dysmotility and proton pump inhibitor use are independent risk factors for small intestinal bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth.” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 37,11 (2013): 1103-11. doi:10.1111/apt.12304
4. Rubin, M R et al. “Effect of bethanechol or vagal nerve stimulation on ileocecal sphincter pressure in the cat.” Gastroenterology vol. 80,5 pt 1 (1981): 974-9.
5. Borch K, et al. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2000 Jul; 45(7):1322

References on dosage and intake of magnolia bark:

1. Sarrica, Andrea et al. “Safety and Toxicology of Magnolol and Honokiol.” Planta medica vol. 84,16 (2018): 1151-1164. doi:10.1055/a-0642-1966
2. Poivre, Mélanie, and Pierre Duez. “Biological activity and toxicity of the Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson (Houpo) and its constituents.” Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 18,3 (2017): 194-214. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1600299

REGULATION (EC) No 1924/2006 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 20 December 2006 concerning health claims made on foods. 
Until the European Commission has decided on the approval or non-approval of health claims, companies are allowed to use these claims if there is scientific support for them. 

A. Health claims of Magnolia officinalis Rehder (One capsule of GutClear® contains 400 mg of the bark of Magnolia officinalis Rehder.):

• Supports the function of intestinal tract. 

• Helps maintaining gut regularity 
• Contributes to the normal function of the intestinal tract 


Scientific support regarding the contribution by Magnolia officialis Rehder to normal intestinal function and regular bowel movements:
1. Tian, H., Zhao, L., Zhang, Q. et al. The Therapeutic Effects of Magnolia Officinalis Extraction on an Antibiotics-Induced Intestinal Dysbacteriosis in Mice. Curr Microbiol 77, 2413–2421 (2020). Animal study that showed that bark from Magnolia officinalis Rehder could normalize dysbiosis (unbalanced intestinal flora profile) after antibiotic treatment. 

2. Ho KY, Tsai CC, Chen CP, Huang JS, Lin CC. Antimicrobial activity of honokiol and magnolol isolated from Magnolia officinalis. Phytother Res. 2001 Mar;15(2):139-41. doi: 10.1002/ptr.736. PMID: 11268114. Magnolia has antimicrobial properties 

3. Niu L, Hou Y, Jiang M, Bai G. The rich pharmacological activities of Magnolia officinalis and secondary effects based on significant intestinal contributions. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Dec 5;281:114524. Magnolia officinalis Rehder relieves a variety of symptoms, but especially abdominal pain and flatulence (tension / gas) and also has a good effect on functional digestive diseases (disorders of the intestine that make the gastrointestinal tract unable to work and move properly). Magnolia officinalis Rehder and its main ingredients can also regulate the production of hormones from the intestinal wall and positively affect the metabolism, protect the intestinal barrier and positively affect the intestinal microbiota (intestinal flora). These mechanisms are considered to be effective in ameliorating local discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. 

4. Du E, Fan Q, Zhao N, Zhang W, Wei J, Chen F, Huang S, Guo W. Supplemental magnolol improves the antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Anim Sci J. 2021 Dec;92(1):e13665. Magnolol from Magnolia officinalis Reher has been shown in animal experiments to promote antioxidant mechanisms and intestinal health. 
5. Oh S, Gadde UD, Bravo D, Lillehoj EP, Lillehoj HS. Growth-Promoting and Antioxidant Effects of Magnolia Bark Extract in Chickens Uninfected or Co-Infected with Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria maxima as an Experimental Model of Necrotic Enteritis. Curr Dev Nutr. 2018 Jan 30;2(4):nzy009. Dietary supplements with bark extract from Magnolia officinalis Rehder were shown to increase growth in animals infected with the disease-causing bacterium Clostridium perfringens (a potentially deadly bacterium). 
6. Chen F, Zhang H, Du E, Fan Q, Zhao N, Jin F, Zhang W, Guo W, Huang S, Wei J. Supplemental magnolol or honokiol attenuates adverse effects in broilers infected with Salmonella pullorum by modulating mucosal gene expression and the gut microbiota. J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2021 Aug 9;12(1):87. Extracts from Magnolia officinalis Rehder exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities against the disease-causing bacteria Salmonella pullorum in animal experiments. 
7. Zhao L, Xiao HT, Mu HX, Huang T, Lin ZS, Zhong LLD, Zeng GZ, Fan BM, Lin CY, Bian ZX. Magnolol, a Natural Polyphenol, Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice. Molecules. 2017 Jul 20;22(7):1218. Magnolol from Magnolia officinalis Rehder exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in colitis in animal tests, the underlying mechanisms being linked to the restoration of tryptophan metabolites which have an inhibitory effect on colitis. 
9. Xie Q, Li H, Ma R, Ren M, Li Y, Li J, Chen H, Chen Z, Gong D, Wang J. Effect of Coptis chinensis franch and Magnolia officinalis on intestinal flora and intestinal barrier in a TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis rats model. Phytomedicine. 2022 Jan 5;97:153927. The levels of probiotic bacteria such as Akkermansia and Blautia increased in a product containing Coptic chinensis and Magnolia officialis. The probiotic bacteria Allobaculum and Alloprevotella increased only in the Magnolia officialis group. In addition, Coptic chinensis and Magnolia officialis were also shown to inhibit the inflammatory response of this animal model of Ulcerative Colitis and to increase the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. 
10. Chan SS, Zhao M, Lao L, Fong HH, Che CT. Magnolol and honokiol account for the anti- spasmodic effect of Magnolia officinalis in isolated guinea pig ileum. Planta Med. 2008 Mar;74(4):381- 4. This animal experiment showed that extracts from Magnolia officinalis have an antispasmodic effect in isolated small intestine (ileum). This is relevant, for example, in IBS. 
11. Jeong SI, Kim YS, Lee MY, Kang JK, Lee S, Choi BK, Jung KY. Regulation of contractile activity by magnolol in the rat isolated gastrointestinal tracts. Pharmacol Res. 2009 Mar;59(3):183-8. The substance magnolol, derived from Magnolia officinalis Rehder, had a positive effect on the intestinal peristalsis of the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) and this mechanism was mediated in part by activating receptors for acetylcholine and serotonin. 
12. Park Inkyung, Oh Sungtaek, Lillehoj Erik. P., Lillehoj Hyun S., Dietary Supplementation With Magnolia Bark Extract Alters Chicken Intestinal Metabolite Levels, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol 7, p. 157 (2020). Animal study showing that bark from Magnolia officinalis Rehder can replace classic antibiotics for growth-promoting purposes in veterinary medicine. 
13. Poivre M, Duez P. Biological activity and toxicity of the Chinese herb Magnolia offici- nalis Rehder & E. Wilson (Houpo) and its constituents. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2017 Mar.;18(3):194-214. The bark from Magnolia officinalis Rehder has traditionally been used for the treatment of e.g. anxiety, asthma, depression, gastrointestinal disorders and headaches. A number of pharmacological activities have been reported for Magnolia officinalis Rehder in particular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antispasmodic effects. This review of articles confirms in vitro and in vivo studies and indicates a number of beneficial properties of Magnolia officinalis Rehder as well as its use, pharmacology and safety. 
14. Sarrica A, Kirika N, Romeo M, Salmona M, Diomede L. Safety and Toxicology of Magnolol and Honokiol. Planta Med. 2018 Nov;84(16):1151-1164. In recent years, various food safety authorities have evaluated magnolol and honokiol from Magnolia officinalis Rehder and considered them safe. 
15. Li N, Song Y, Zhang W, Wang W, Chen J, Wong AW, Roberts A. Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of magnolia bark extract. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007 Dec;49(3):154-9. These in vitro results show that bark extract from Magnolia officinalis Rehder is not genotoxic (i.e. do not affect the genome) and supports the safety of bark extract from Magnolia officinalis Rehder for consumption. 
16. Liu Z, Zhang X, Cui W, Zhang X, Li N, Chen J, Wong AW, Roberts A. Evaluation of short-term and subchronic toxicity of magnolia bark extract in rats. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007 Dec;49(3):160-71. These results support the safety of bark extracts from Magnolia officinalis Rehder for oral consumption. 
17. Sun, L., Liao, K., & Wang, D. (2015). Effects of magnolol and honokiol on adhesion, yeast-hyphal transition, and formation of biofilm by Candida albicans. PloS one, 10(2), e0117695. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
18. Xie, Y., Hua, H., & Zhou, P. (2022). Magnolol as a potent antifungal agent inhibits Candida albicansvirulence factors via the PKC and Cek1 MAPK signaling pathways. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 12, 935322. Magnolia officinalis Rehder  has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
19. Noites, A., Araújo, B., Machado, J., & Pinto, E. (2022). Antifungal Potential of Some Herb Decoctions and Essential Oils on CandidaSpecies. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 10(10), 1820. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
20. Sun, L., & Liao, K. (2020). The Effect of Honokiol on Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Vacuole Function in Candida albicans. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 30(12), 1835–1842. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
21. Liao, K., & Sun, L. (2018). Roles of the Hsp90-Calcineurin Pathway in the Antifungal Activity of Honokiol. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 28(7), 1086–1093. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
22. Bang, K. H., Kim, Y. K., Min, B. S., Na, M. K., Rhee, Y. H., Lee, J. P., & Bae, K. H. (2000). Antifungal activity of magnolol and honokiol. Archives of pharmacal research, 23(1), 46–49. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
23. Sun, L., Liao, K., & Wang, D. (2017). Honokiol induces superoxide production by targeting mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in Candida albicans. PloS one, 12(8), e0184003. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Candida.
24. Bae, E. A., Han, M. J., Kim, N. J., & Kim, D. H. (1998). Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of herbal medicines. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 21(9), 990–992. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Helicobacter pylori.
25. Li, Y., Xu, C., Zhang, Q., Liu, J. Y., & Tan, R. X. (2005). In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori action of 30 Chinese herbal medicines used to treat ulcer diseases. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 98(3), 329–333. Magnolia officinalis Rehder has antimicrobial effects against Helicobacter pylori.