Research Area: Neurological Disease
Biological Activity:
Honokiol is a biphenolic compound present in the cones, bark, and leaves of Magnolia grandifloris. It inhibits phosphorylation of Akt, p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and src. Additionally, honokiol modulates the nuclear factor kappa 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 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. [1]