Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Oncology Letters
      • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Reports
      • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Medicine International
      • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
  • Articles
  • Information
    • Information for Authors
    • Information for Reviewers
    • Information for Librarians
    • Information for Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
  • Articles
  • Information
    • For Authors
    • For Reviewers
    • For Librarians
    • For Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Login Register Submit
  • This site uses cookies
  • You can change your cookie settings at any time by following the instructions in our Cookie Policy. To find out more, you may read our Privacy Policy.

    I agree
Search articles by DOI, keyword, author or affiliation
Search
Advanced Search
presentation
Biomedical Reports
Join Editorial Board Propose a Special Issue
Print ISSN: 2049-9434 Online ISSN: 2049-9442
Journal Cover
September-2026 Volume 25 Issue 3

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine is an international journal devoted to molecular mechanisms of human disease.

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology is an international journal devoted to oncology research and cancer treatment.

Molecular Medicine Reports

Molecular Medicine Reports

Covers molecular medicine topics such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, molecular cardiology, and molecular surgery.

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports is an international journal devoted to fundamental and applied research in Oncology.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine is an international journal devoted to laboratory and clinical medicine.

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters is an international journal devoted to Experimental and Clinical Oncology.

Biomedical Reports

Biomedical Reports

Explores a wide range of biological and medical fields, including pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and molecular cardiology.

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

International journal addressing all aspects of oncology research, from tumorigenesis and oncogenes to chemotherapy and metastasis.

World Academy of Sciences Journal

World Academy of Sciences Journal

Multidisciplinary open-access journal spanning biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, environmental health, and synthetic biology.

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

Open-access journal combining biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and genetics to advance health through functional nutrition.

International Journal of Epigenetics

International Journal of Epigenetics

Publishes open-access research on using epigenetics to advance understanding and treatment of human disease.

Medicine International

Medicine International

An International Open Access Journal Devoted to General Medicine.

Journal Cover
September-2026 Volume 25 Issue 3

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

  • Article
  • Citations
    • Cite This Article
    • Download Citation
    • Create Citation Alert
    • Remove Citation Alert
    • Cited By
  • Similar Articles
    • Related Articles (in Spandidos Publications)
    • Similar Articles (Google Scholar)
    • Similar Articles (PubMed)
  • Download PDF
  • Download XML
  • View XML
Review Open Access

Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Wei Jiang
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Medical Experimental Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, P.R. China
    Copyright: © Jiang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
  • Article Number: 103
    |
    Published online on: July 3, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2176
  • Expand metrics +
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Metrics: Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Cited By (CrossRef): 0 citations Loading Articles...

This article is mentioned in:


Abstract

Honokiol (HKL), a bioactive biphenolic lignan isolated from the bark of Magnolia officinalis, possesses diverse pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, antitumor, anti‑inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects. Despite its therapeutic promise, the clinical application of HKL is severely restricted by its hydrophobicity and low oral bioavailability. The present review systematically summarized 99 studies (90 original articles and nine reviews) on the pharmacological profile of HKL. It detailed HKL's molecular interactions with key signaling targets, such as sirtuin 3, NOD‑like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3‑cyclic GMP‑AMP synthase (cGAS)‑stimulator of interferon genes, Yes‑associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‑binding motif, adenosine monophosphate‑activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which underly its efficacy against cancer (ovarian, liver, breast, colorectal, and lung), neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), metabolic disorders (diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity) and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Furthermore, the present review critically evaluated recently developed strategies to overcome its pharmacokinetic limitations. The present review offered an updated theoretical basis for understanding the structure‑activity relationship of HKL and provided insights into its translation from bench to bedside.
View Figures

Figure 1

The targets and pathways of honokiol.
Direct binding targets (SIRT3, OTUB2, SLC3A2, OSCP, NLRP3, HDAC3,
HSP27, GP6 and FGFR1) initiate primary pathways associated with
mitochondrial quality control and cystine metabolism. Secondary
modulators (cGAS-STING, YAP/TAZ, STAT3, AMPK and PPARγ) amplify or
suppress these signals in a disease-specific manner. Dashed arrows
indicate indirect action and context dependent crosstalk. SIRT3,
sirtuin 3; OTUB2, OTU domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding
protein 2; SLC3A2, solute carrier family 3 member 2; OSCP,
oligomycin sensitivity-conferring protein; NLRP3, NOD-like receptor
protein 3; HDAC, histone deacetylase; HSP27, heat shock protein 27;
GP6, platelet glycoprotein VI; FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor
receptor 1; cGAS, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase; STING, stimulator of
interferon genes; YAP, Yes-associated protein; TAZ, transcriptional
coactivator with PDZ-binding motif; STAT3, signal transducer and
activator of transcription 3; AMPK, adenosine
monophosphate-activated protein kinase; PPARγ, peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptor gamma; HSP, heat shock protein.

Figure 2

Functional classification of honokiol
anticancer mechanisms. HKL modulates four molecular hubs: (A)
Ferroptosis/oxidative stress: (OTUB2-YAP/TAZ axis,
c-Met-Rubicon-p62-Nrf2 axis) (B) Mitochondrial/endoplasmic
reticulum stress: (paraptosis-like death) (C) Immunomodulation:
(PD-L1, gasdermin E, PI3K, IL-13) (D) Resistance reversal: (ERα,
miR-148a-5p, SNX3). HKL, honokiol; OSCP, oligomycin
sensitivity-conferring protein; YAP, Yes-associated protein; TAZ,
transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif; Nrf2, nuclear
factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; PD-L1, programmed death-ligand
1; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; IL, interleukin; ERα,
estrogen receptor alpha; miR, microRNA; SNX3, sorting nexin 3.
View References

1 

Fujita M, Itokawa H and Sashida Y: Honokiol, a new phenolic compound isolated from the bark of Magnolia obovata THUNB. Chem Pharm Bull. 20:212–213. 1972.

2 

Li X, Yuan Z, Wang Y, Wang W and Shi J: Recent advances of honokiol: Pharmacological activities, manmade derivatives and structure-activity relationship. Eur J Med Chem. 272(116471)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

3 

Zhong C, Wang C, Li W, Li W, Chen X, Guo J, Feng Y and Wu X: A derivative of honokiol HM568 has an anti-neuroinflammatory effect in Parkinson's disease. Chem Biol Interact. 403(111212)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

4 

Zhang Y, Zhang P, Zhang X and Liu Y: HH-A, a modified honokiol, protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced brain injury in rodent via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 397:3389–3402. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

5 

Miao H, Cui W, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Lou H and Fan P: Mitochondrial targeting derivatives of honokiol enhanced selective antitumor activity in NCI-H446 cells and decreased in vivo toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Eur J Med Chem. 264(115996)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

6 

Arnold RE, Saska J, Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Dajas-Bailador F, Taylor L, Lewis W, Argent S, Shao H, Houk KN and Denton RM: Total synthesis, biological evaluation and biosynthetic re-evaluation of Illicium-derived neolignans. Chem Sci. 15:11783–11793. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

7 

Dai SY, Qin WX, Yu S, Li C, Yang YH and Pei YH: Honokiol and magnolol: A review of structure-activity relationships of their derivatives. Phytochemistry. 223(114132)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

8 

Sasia C, Borgonetti V, Mancini C, Lori G, Arbiser JL, Taddei ML and Galeotti N: The neolignan honokiol and its synthetic derivative honokiol hexafluoro reduce neuroinflammation and cellular senescence in microglia cells. Cells. 13(1652)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

9 

Yang R, Fu X, Fan J, Wang T, Song J, Xu T, Guo Y and Zhang SY: Semisynthesis and biological evaluation of novel honokiol thioethers against colon cancer cells HCT116 via inhibiting the transcription and expression of YAP protein. Bioorg Med Chem. 107(117762)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

10 

Pillai VB, Samant S, Sundaresan NR, Raghuraman H, Kim G, Bonner MY, Arbiser JL, Walker DI, Jones DP, Gius D and Gupta MP: Honokiol blocks and reverses cardiac hypertrophy in mice by activating mitochondrial Sirt3. Nat Commun. 14(6656)2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

11 

Liu F, Zhang Y, Xia X, Han J and Cao L: Honokiol induces ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cells through the regulation of YAP by OTUB2. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 50:864–872. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

12 

Ma Q, Xu M, Jing X, Qiu J, Huang S, Yan H, Yin L, Lou J, Zhao L, Fan Y and Qiu P: Honokiol suppresses the aberrant interactions between renal resident macrophages and tubular epithelial cells in lupus nephritis through the NLRP3/IL-33/ST2 axis. Cell Death Dis. 14(174)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

13 

Cai X, Jiang X, Zhao M, Su K, Tang MH, Hong F, Ye N, Zhang R, Li N, Wang L, et al: Identification of the target protein and molecular mechanism of honokiol in anti-inflammatory action. Phytomedicine. 109(154617)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

14 

Grandi M, Boldrin F, Risato G, Grillini S, Tiso N, Argenton F, Leonardi E, Tosatto S, Solaini G, Baracca A and Giorgio V: Honokiol blocks tumor development and metastasis through mitochondrion-targeted effects. Cell Death Dis. 17(186)2026.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

15 

Wu SM, Jan YJ, Tsai SC, Pan HC, Shen CC, Yang CN, Lee SH, Liu SH, Shen LW, Chiu CS, et al: Targeting histone deacetylase-3 blocked epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and metastatic dissemination in gastric cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol. 39:1873–1896. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

16 

Kim Y, Jang HD, An DH, Lee HS, Kim HG and Choi SE: Honokiol inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth: Involvement of Hsp27 as a molecular target. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 47(921)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

17 

Lee TY, Chang CC, Lu WJ, Yen TL, Lin KH, Geraldine P, Li JY and Sheu JR: Honokiol as a specific collagen receptor glycoprotein VI antagonist on human platelets: Functional ex vivo and in vivo studies. Sci Rep. 7(40002)2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

18 

Szymczyk J, Sochacka M, Biadun M, Sluzalska KD, Witkowska D and Zakrzewska M: . Overcoming drug resistance of cancer cells by targeting the FGF1/FGFR1 axis with honokiol or FGF ligand trap. Front Pharmacol. 15(1459820)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

19 

Tian R, Yang J, Wang X, Liu S, Dong R, Wang Z, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Cai Z, Yang H, et al: Honokiol acts as an AMPK complex agonist therapeutic in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Chin Med. 18(30)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

20 

Xiang F, Zhang Z, Li Y, Xia B, Liao Y, Yang C, He Z, Lin L and Xie J: Honokiol targeting SIRT3: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. FASEB J. 39(e70798)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

21 

Li H, Sun J, Wu Y, Yang Y, Zhang W and Tian Y: Honokiol relieves hippocampal neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease by activating the SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. CNS Neurosci Ther. 30(e14878)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

22 

Liao Y, Ke B, Long X, Xu J and Wu Y: Abnormalities in the SIRT1-SIRT3 axis promote myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through ferroptosis caused by silencing the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 23(582)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

23 

Kim JE, Jo MJ, Bae SY, Ahn SY, Ko GJ and Kwon YJ: Mitochondrial SIRT3 as a protective factor against cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity. Sci Rep. 14(10143)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

24 

Qi XY, Yuan JD, Liu ZY, Jiang XQ, Zhang Q, Zhang SL, Zhao L, Ke LY, Zhang CY, Li Y, et al: Sirtuin 3-mediated deacetylation of superoxide dismutase 2 ameliorates sodium fluoride-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in porcine oocytes. Sci Total Environ. 908(168306)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

25 

Li F, Ye C and Wang X, Li X and Wang X: Honokiol ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced damage of airway epithelial cells via the SIRT3/SOD2 signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med. 27:4009–4020. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

26 

Chang Y, Wang C, Zhu J, Zheng S, Sun S, Wu Y, Jiang X, Li L, Ma R and Li G: SIRT3 ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction via regulating mitochondria-associated ER membranes. J Transl Med. 21(494)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

27 

Hua KF, Hsu HT, Huang MS, Chiu HW, Wong WT, Peng CH, Lin YB, Chen A, Wang CC, Hsu CH, et al: Honokiol exhibits anti-NLRP3 inflammasome and antimicrobial properties in neisseria gonorrhoeae-infected macrophages. J Inflamm Res. 17:3499–3513. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

28 

Zhou Q, Yi G, Chang M, Li N, Bai Y, Li H and Yao S: Activation of Sirtuin3 by honokiol ameliorates alveolar epithelial cell senescence in experimental silicosis via the cGAS-STING pathway. Redox Biol. 74(103224)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

29 

Wang Z, Liu J, Mou Y, Zhou X, Liao W, Li Y and Tang J: Disruption of cholesterol homeostasis triggers NLRP3-cGAS-STING axis-dependent hepatic fibrosis and honokiol intervention effects. Phytomedicine. 143(156904)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

30 

Pan X, Hua Z, Fan G and Feng Q: Inflammatory suppression and immunity regulation benefits of honokiol in a rat model of acute peritonitis via the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and Sirt1/autophagy axis. Histol Histopathol. 39:921–934. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

31 

Zhou Q, Chang M, Guo S, Zhang Y, Qu Q, Zhou Q, Li Z and Yao S: Honokiol ameliorates silica-induced lung fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis via modulating cGAS/STING signaling. Int Immunopharmacol. 146(113812)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

32 

Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X and Guo Y: YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (2020). 4(e340)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

33 

Wu KY, Liu L, Wu ZH, Huang Q, Xie RJ, Zhou L and Wang M: Hinokiol regulates the cell cycle and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells via Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi. 59:621–629. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (In Chinese).

34 

Liu F, Zhang Y, Xia X, Han J and Cao L: Honokiol regulates ovarian cancer cell malignant behavior through YAP/TAZ pathway modulation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 50:1010–1019. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

35 

Khodir SA, Sweed EM, El-Haroun H, Abd-Elhamid TH, El Derbaly SA, Mahmoud AR and Motawea SM: Honokiol ameliorates reserpine-induced fibromyalgia through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Sci Rep. 15(25983)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

36 

Fei Y, Zhang X, Wang X, Sun Y, He J, Liu X, Song Z, Li L, Qiu L, Qian Z, et al: Upregulation of tumor suppressor PIAS3 by Honokiol promotes tumor cell apoptosis via selective inhibition of STAT3 tyrosine 705 phosphorylation. J Nat Med. 78:285–295. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

37 

Chen X, Zhang M, Zhou F, Gu Z, Li Y, Yu T, Peng C, Zhou L, Li X, Zhu D, et al: SIRT3 activator honokiol inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 29:1929–1940. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

38 

Hu Y, Zhang M, Liu B, Tang Y, Wang Z, Wang T, Zheng J and Zhang J: Honokiol prevents chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced astrocyte A1 polarization to alleviate neurotoxicity by targeting SIRT3-STAT3 axis. Free Radic Biol Med. 202:62–75. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

39 

Wang XH, Ning ZH, Xie Z, Ou Y, Yang JY, Liu YX, Huang H, Tang HF, Jiang ZS, Hu HJ, et al: SIRT3/AMPK signaling pathway regulates lipid metabolism and improves vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in dahl salt-sensitive rats. Am J Hypertens. 37:901–908. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

40 

Wei X, Wang Y, Lao Y, Weng J, Deng R, Li S, Lu J, Yang S and Liu X: Effects of honokiol protects against chronic kidney disease via BNIP3/NIX and FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy and AMPK pathways. Mol Biol Rep. 50:6557–6568. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

41 

Lin X, Zhang H, Chu Y, Zhang Y, Xu C, Xie H, Ruan Q, Lin J, Huang CK and Chai D: Honokiol ameliorates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by promoting dissociation of the Nur77-LKB1 complex and activating the AMPK pathway. J Cell Mol Med. 28(e18028)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

42 

Chen Y, Yang Z, Bai J, Wang X, Yuan Q, Mi Y and Zhang C: Bioactive lignan honokiol alleviates ovarian oxidative stress in aging laying chickens by regulating SIRT3/AMPK pathway. Antioxidants (Basel). 13(377)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

43 

Chu Y, Gui S, Zheng Y, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Li Y and Chen X: The natural compounds, Magnolol or Honokiol, promote adipose tissue browning and resist obesity through modulating PPARα/γ activity. Eur J Pharmacol. 969(176438)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

44 

Zhang L, Guo R, Chen M, Liu M, Liu Y, Yu Y, Zang J, Kong L and Li X: Inhibition of ovarian cancer growth, metastasis and reverse the tumor microenvironment by dual drug-loaded polymer micelle targeting tumor microenvironment. Int J Nanomedicine. 20:2969–2990. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

45 

Guo C, Cheng X, Yang Y, Wang L, Wang W and Shao L: Aptamer-modified GSH-degradable honokiol polyprodrug nanoparticles for ovarian cancer-specific targeting therapy. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 123(130215)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

46 

Wang B, Lv B, Li H, Zhang J, Ding Y, Zhou J, Bu M, Fan L and Han C: Design of self-assembled micelles based on natural dual-targeting strategies and evaluation of their anti-liver cancer effects as drug delivery systems. NPJ Precis Oncol. 9(82)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

47 

Kim SY and Choi YH: Honokiol induces paraptosis-like cell death through mitochondrial ROS-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells. Toxicol Res. 4:385–396. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

48 

Du Q, Zhang Q, Li J, Wang X, Gao X, Tan G, Feng Q, Li J, Meng Y and Yu Y: Enhanced integrated therapy for breast cancer employing Honokiol-loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles in conjunction with photothermal effects and low-dose metformin. APL Bioeng. 9(016115)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

49 

Putra IMR, Lestari IA, Fatimah N, Hanif N, Ujiantari NSO, Putri DDP and Hermawan A: Bioinformatics and in vitro study reveal ERα as the potential target gene of honokiol to enhance trastuzumab sensitivity in HER2+ trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells. Comput Biol Chem. 111(108084)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

50 

Han X, Cheng Y, Jiang Z, Alu A and Ma X: Honokiol exhibits anti-tumor effects in breast cancer by modulating the miR-148a-5p-CYP1B1 axis. Am J Chin Med. 52:1843–1861. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

51 

Mei M, Tang L, Zhou H, Xue N and Li M: Honokiol prevents lung metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by regulating polarization and recruitment of macrophages. Eur J Pharmacol. 959(176076)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

52 

Gao Q, Sheng Q, Yang Z, Zhu Z, Li L, Xu L, Xia J, Qiao Y, Gu J, Zhu X, et al: Honokiol-Magnolol-Baicalin possesses synergistic anticancer potential and enhances the efficacy of Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in colorectal cancer by triggering GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. Adv Sci (Weinh). 12(e2417022)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

53 

Zhu Q, Zhang R, Gu X, Zhao Z, Gao Q, Chen M, Wu Q, Xie T and Sui X: Honokiol enhances the sensitivity of cetuximab in KRASG13D mutant colorectal cancer through destroying SNX3-retromer complex. Theranostics. 14:5443–5460. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

54 

Cheng Y, Han X, Lai X and Wei X: Liposomal honokiol inhibits non-small cell lung cancer progression and enhances PD-1 blockade via suppressing M2 macrophages polarization. Phytomedicine. 135(156093)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

55 

Cheng X, Wang F, Qiao Y, Chen T, Fan L, Shen X, Yu D, Huang Y and Wei M: Honokiol inhibits interleukin-induced angiogenesis in the NSCLC microenvironment through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact. 370(110295)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

56 

Luo L, Wu T, Ji M, Xiang J, Zou Y and Liao Y: Honokiol suppress the PD-L1 expression to improve anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol. 133(112098)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

57 

Li BH, Ma H, Zhu J, Chen J, Dai YQ, Zhang XJ, Li HM and Wu CZ: Semisynthesis and anti-cancer properties of novel honokiol derivatives in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 38(2244694)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

58 

Liao KS, Lee YR, Chao WY, Huang YJ, Chung HC, Chen SH, Li YZ, Zhao PW and Chang HY: Honokiol suppresses cell proliferation and tumor migration through ROS in human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets: Apr 24, 2024 (Epub ahead of print).

59 

Rawat L, Balan M, Sasamoto Y, Sabarwal A and Pal S: A novel combination therapy with Cabozantinib and Honokiol effectively inhibits c-Met-Nrf2-induced renal tumor growth through increased oxidative stress. Redox Biol. 68(102945)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

60 

Singh L and Singh S: Neuroprotective potential of Honokiol in ICV-STZ induced neuroinflammation, Aβ (1-42) and NF-kB expression in experimental model of rats. Neurosci Lett. 799(137090)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

61 

Youn K and Jun M: Determination of potential lead compound from magnolia officinalis for Alzheimer's disease through pharmacokinetic prediction, molecular docking, dynamic simulation, and experimental validation. Int J Mol Sci. 25(10507)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

62 

Wang H, Liu J, Tian YR, Zhu F and Li H: The effects of Honokiol on the liver of Alzheimer's disease mice by upregulating SIRT3. J Alzheimers Dis. 107:641–652. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

63 

Liu G, Zhang T, Qian S, Zhang X, Lou H and Fan P: Conjugation with the XJB peptide enhanced neuroprotective effect of honokiol via SIRT3 modulation. Eur J Med Chem. 289(117460)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

64 

Le DTT, Vu CM, Ly TTB, Nguyen NT, Nguyen PTM and Chu HH: Effect of Honokiol on culture time and survival of Alzheimer's disease iPSC-derived neurons. Bioimpacts. 14(27652)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

65 

Cheng G, Hardy M, Feix JB and Kalyanaraman B: Inhibition of levodopa metabolism to dopamine by honokiol short-chain fatty acid derivatives may enhance therapeutic efficacy in Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep. 15(20004)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

66 

Cheng G, Hardy M, Hillard CJ, Feix JB and Kalyanaraman B: Mitigating gut microbial degradation of levodopa and enhancing brain dopamine: Implications in Parkinson's disease. Commun Biol. 7(668)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

67 

Cao W, Chen Z, Lin C, Lin X, Chen Y and Zhang J: Honokiol mitigates metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by regulating Nrf2 and RIPK3 signaling pathways. Turk J Gastroenterol. 35:551–559. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

68 

Zhai T, Wang J and Chen Y: Honokiol affects the composition of gut microbiota and the metabolism of lipid and bile acid in methionine-choline deficiency diet-induced NASH mice. Sci Rep. 13(15203)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

69 

Rather IA, Khan N, Kushwah AS, Surampalli G and Kumar M: Nephroprotective effects of honokiol in a high-fat diet-streptozotocin rat model of diabetic nephropathy. Life Sci. 320(121543)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

70 

Lin K, Wang A, Zhai C, Zhao Y, Hu H, Huang D, Zhai Q, Yan Y and Ge J: Semaglutide protects against diabetes-associated cardiac inflammation via Sirt3-dependent RKIP pathway. Br J Pharmacol. 182:1561–1581. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

71 

Shi J, Liu M, Zhao J, Tan Y and Jiang C: Honokiol protects against diabetic retinal microvascular injury via sirtuin 3-mediated mitochondrial fusion. Front Pharmacol. 15(1485831)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

72 

Tang H, Zhou Y, Ma L, Ye Y, Xiao QX, Tang JQ and Xu Y: SIRT3 alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in diabetes-associated periodontitis by deacetylating LRPPRC. Free Radic Biol Med. 227:407–419. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

73 

Sun H, Liu Y, Wang X and Shu L: A network pharmacology-based method to explore the therapeutic effect of honokiol on diabetes with comorbid depression in mice. Eur J Pharmacol. 975(176642)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

74 

Szałabska-Rąpała K, Zych M, Borymska W, Londzin P, Dudek S and Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska I: Beneficial effect of honokiol and magnolol on polyol pathway and oxidative stress parameters in the testes of diabetic rats. Biomed Pharmacother. 172(116265)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

75 

Liu Y, Chen M, Zhu C and Guo D: Transcriptome analysis of serum biomarker, shared gene signature and pharmacological targets between diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. Biochem Biophys Rep. 43(102194)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

76 

Zhao Y, Lu Z, Zhang H, Wang L, Sun F, Li Q, Cao T, Wang B, Ma H, You M, et al: Sodium-glucose exchanger 2 inhibitor canagliflozin promotes mitochondrial metabolism and alleviates salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy via preserving SIRT3 expression. J Adv Res. 70:255–269. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

77 

Niu L, Wang S, Xu Y, Zu X, You X, Zhang Q, Zhuang P, Jiang M, Gao J, Hou X, et al: Honokiol targeting ankyrin repeat domain of TRPV4 ameliorates endothelial permeability in mice inflammatory bowel disease induced by DSS. J Ethnopharmacol. 325(117825)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

78 

Sun N, Zhi Z, Xiao T, Deng X, He T, Dong W, Feng S, Chen S, Wong WL and Yuan W: The study of honokiol as a natural product-based antimicrobial agent and its potential interaction with FtsZ protein. Front Microbiol. 15(1361508)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

79 

Ren S, Yang Y, Xia M, Deng Y, Zuo Y, Lei L and Hu T: A Chinese herb preparation, honokiol, inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Arch Oral Biol. 147(105610)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

80 

Lin S, Li X, Zhang W, Shu G, Tolker-Nielsen T, Li H, Xu F, Lin J, Peng G, Zhang L and Fu H: Enhanced penetration and biofilm eradication by sophorolipid micelles encapsulating Honokiol: A comprehensive solution for biofilm-associated lung infections. J Nanobiotechnology. 23(76)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

81 

Zheng S, Deng R, Huang G, Ou Z and Shen Z: Effects of honokiol combined with resveratrol on bacteria responsible for oral malodor and their biofilm. J Oral Microbiol. 16(2361402)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

82 

Zhao Y, Yu S, Ye W, Lin G, Gao D and Zhang J: Mechanistic insights into the dual anti-COVID-19 and anti-inflammatory actions of Zhengqi tablets. J Ethnopharmacol. 352(120249)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

83 

Yang F, Yang B, Song K, Jin Y, Wang G, Li P, Yu Q and Ling F: Natural product honokiol exhibits antiviral effects against Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) both in vitro and in vivo. J Fish Dis. 47(e13915)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

84 

Salgado-Benvindo C, Leijs AA, Thaler M, Tas A, Arbiser JL, Snijder EJ and van Hemert MJ: Honokiol inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell culture at a post-entry step. Microbiol Spectr. 11(e0327322)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

85 

Sampieri-Morán JM, Bravo-Alfaro DA, Uribe-Lam E, Luna-Barcenas G, Montiel-Sánchez M, Velasco-Rodríguez LDC, Acosta-Osorio AA, Ferrer M and García HS: Delivery of Magnolia bark extract in nanoemulsions formed by high and low energy methods improves the bioavailability of Honokiol and Magnolol. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 208(114627)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

86 

Liu C, Cao Z, Li L, Li Q, Zhang C, Wang Y, Li L and Fu P: Self-Assembled Pt/Honokiol nanomicelles for the treatment of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 11:383–401. 2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

87 

Thakur NS, Rus I, Herbert A, Zallocchi M, Chakrabarty B, Joshi AD, Lomeo J and Agrahari V: Crosslinked-hybrid nanoparticle embedded in thermogel for sustained co-delivery to inner ear. J Nanobiotechnology. 22(482)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

88 

He Y, Guo J, Ding H, Lin M, Wu Y, He Z, Wang Z, Xia Q, Zhu C, Zhang Y and Feng N: Glutathione-responsive CD-MOFs co-loading honokiol and indocyanine green biomimetic active targeting to enhance photochemotherapy for breast cancer. Int J Pharm. 660(124310)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

89 

Liao D, Yang Y, Xiong S, Feng J, Zou C, Peng H, Yang X, Zhang SL, Wang ZP, He Y and Huang C: Self-assembled GSH-responsive polycyclophosphazene loaded honokiol nano-drug for enhanced cancer therapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 255(114876)2025.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

90 

Talbott SM, Talbott JA and Pugh M: Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 10(37)2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

91 

Lin J, Liu H, Huang X and Deng Y: Toxicological effects of Honokiol on zebrafish and its underlying mechanism. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 38(e23789)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

92 

Sorkin BC, Kuszak AJ, Bloss G, Fukagawa NK, Hoffman FA, Jafari M, Barrett B, Brown PN, Bushman FD, Casper SJ, et al: Improving natural product research translation: From source to clinical trial. FASEB J. 34:41–65. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

93 

Fanelli D, Costas R and Ioannidis JP: Meta-assessment of bias in science. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 114:3714–3719. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

94 

Fried LE and Arbiser JL: Honokiol, a multifunctional antiangiogenic and antitumor agent. Antioxid Redox Signal. 11:1139–1148. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

95 

Yang J, Pei H, Luo H, Fu A, Yang H, Hu J, Zhao C, Chai L, Chen X, Shao X, et al: Non-toxic dose of liposomal honokiol suppresses metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through destabilizing EGFR and inhibiting the downstream pathways. Oncotarget. 8:915–932. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

96 

Zhang Q, Ye X, Wang L, Peng B, Zhang Y, Bao J, Li W, Wei J, Wang A, Jin H and Chen S: Embryo-fetal development toxicity of honokiol microemulsion intravenously administered to pregnant rats. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 74:117–122. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

97 

Sarrica A, Kirika N, Romeo M, Salmona M and Diomede L: Safety and toxicology of magnolol and honokiol. Planta Med. 84:1151–1164. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

98 

Eliaz I and Weil E: Intravenous honokiol in drug-resistant cancer: two case reports. Integr Cancer Ther. 19(1534735420922615)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

99 

Qin X, Yin J, Zhang W, Li J, Wen J and Chen S: Acute and subchronic toxicities in dogs and genotoxicity of honokiol microemulsion. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 95:362–370. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

Related Articles

  • Abstract
  • View
  • Download
  • Twitter
Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Jiang W: Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review). Biomed Rep 25: 103, 2026.
APA
Jiang, W. (2026). Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review). Biomedical Reports, 25, 103. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2176
MLA
Jiang, W."Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review)". Biomedical Reports 25.3 (2026): 103.
Chicago
Jiang, W."Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review)". Biomedical Reports 25, no. 3 (2026): 103. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2176
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Jiang W: Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review). Biomed Rep 25: 103, 2026.
APA
Jiang, W. (2026). Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review). Biomedical Reports, 25, 103. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2176
MLA
Jiang, W."Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review)". Biomedical Reports 25.3 (2026): 103.
Chicago
Jiang, W."Pharmacological advances of honokiol: Mechanisms, targets and therapeutic potential (Review)". Biomedical Reports 25, no. 3 (2026): 103. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2176
Follow us
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
About
  • Spandidos Publications
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
How can we help?
  • Help
  • Live Chat
  • Contact
  • Email to our Support Team