Honokiol: a novel natural agent for cancer prevention and therapy

Curr Mol Med. 2012 Dec;12(10):1244-52. doi: 10.2174/156652412803833508.

Abstract

Honokiol (3',5-di-(2-propenyl)-1,1'-biphenyl-2,4'-diol) is a bioactive natural product derived from Magnolia spp. Recent studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties of honokiol in vitro and in preclinical models. Honokiol targets multiple signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducers and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR), which have great relevance during cancer initiation and progression. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic profile of honokiol has revealed a desirable spectrum of bioavailability after intravenous administration in animal models, thus making it a suitable agent for clinical trials. In this review, we discuss recent data describing the molecular targets of honokiol and its anti-cancer activities against various malignancies in pre-clinical models. Evaluation of honokiol in clinical trials will be the next step towards its possible human applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Biphenyl Compounds* / pharmacokinetics
  • Biphenyl Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Biphenyl Compounds* / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lignans* / pharmacokinetics
  • Lignans* / pharmacology
  • Lignans* / therapeutic use
  • Magnolia
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Lignans
  • NF-kappa B
  • Plant Preparations
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • honokiol
  • MTOR protein, human
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases