Honokiol (HNK)

Honokiol is a lignan isolated from the barks, seed cones, and leaves of trees belonging to the genus Magnolia. It has been identified as one of the active compounds in traditional eastern medicinal formulas along with, magnolol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, and obovatol. It has been shown to have antidepressant, anxiolytic, antiemetic, analgesic, anti-inflamatory, antibacterial, anti-tumorigenic, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and serotonergic effects. Honokiol has been extracted from a number of species of Magnolia native to many regions of the globe. Magnolia grandiflora which if native to the American South as well as Mexican species like Magnolia dealbata have found to be sources of honokiol. Traditionally in Asian medicine, the Magnolia biondii, Magnolia obovata, and Magnolia officinalis are commonly used. The compound itself has a spicy odor.