Compound Monograph
Honokiol
A biphenyl lignan-type compound from magnolia bark, studied for anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Classification
Honokiol is a biphenyl neolignan, part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Honokiol is a naturally occurring biphenyl neolignan, found in Magnolia. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Honokiol is a biphenyl neolignan found in the bark and cones of magnolia (Magnolia officinalis and related species), where it occurs alongside its isomer magnolol. Magnolia bark is a long-standing remedy in East Asian herbal traditions, and honokiol is a principal active constituent. In laboratory and animal studies it shows anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, and it has been investigated for sleep, mood and a range of other applications, though robust human clinical data are still limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Honokiol is generally well tolerated in the studies conducted to date, and magnolia bark has a long history of traditional use. As with many bioactive plant compounds, it may interact with sedative drugs given its relaxing effects, and high-quality human safety data remain limited.