Molecular Targets of Honokiol: A Promising Phytochemical for Effective Cancer Management

Honokiol is a bioactive, biphenolic phytochemical, present in the aerial parts of plants classified under the genus Magnolia. It has been an important constituent of Asian traditional medicine and is used against many ailments. Honokiol possesses potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anticancer activities by targeting a variety of signaling molecules. Consequently, there has been immense interest in exploring its utility as a novel chemopreventive and therapeutic agent against several malignancies. In this chapter, we review the structure-function relationship of honokiol and its derivative compounds, the impact of honokiol on various phenotypes associated with cancer progression and metastasis, and its prominent molecular targets and pharmacokinetics. Clearly, the available data generate significant interest in this novel phytochemical and emerging information continues to provide strong support for its potential applicability in cancer management.