Honokiol

Honokiol is a biphyl neolignan present in the cones, bark, and leaves of Magnolia grandifloris that displays anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor and anxiolytic properties. It inhibits phosphorylation of Akt, p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and src. Additionally, honokiol modulates the nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB) activation pathway, an upstream effector of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and MCL1, all significant pro-angiogenic and survival factors. Honokiol is known to display anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic and anxiolytic properties, and has been shown to induce apoptosis and preferentially inhibit human endothelial cell growth over fibroblasts by VEGFR2 autophosphorylation blocking and subsequent rac activation. Honokiol induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in a TRAIL-mediated manner, and potentiates the pro-apoptotic effects of doxorubicin and other etoposides. Honokiol has been shown to promote neurite outgrowth and have neuroprotective effects in rat cortical neurons.