Honokiol for cancer therapeutics: A traditional medicine that can modulate multiple oncogenic targets

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Global cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing, with conventional chemotherapeutics facing challenges like adverse side effects and chemoresistance.
• Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease requiring modulation of multiple targets and oncogenic signaling pathways for effective treatment.
• There is a growing need for novel, safe, and effective anti-cancer agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and detail the anti-cancer properties and molecular mechanisms of honokiol, a natural biphenolic compound.
• To highlight honokiol's potential as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent against a wide range of cancers.
• To discuss the feasibility of using honokiol as a standalone or combination therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating honokiol's anti-cancer effects.
• Analysis of honokiol's molecular targets, including pro-apoptotic factors, anti-apoptotic proteins, transcription factors, enzymes, and kinases.
• Evaluation of honokiol's efficacy against various tumor types, including brain, breast, lung, and hematological malignancies.

Main Results:

• Honokiol demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on the growth of diverse cancer types.
• This phytochemical modulates multiple molecular targets critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation, including activating pro-apoptotic factors and inhibiting kinases.
• Honokiol exhibits a favorable pharmacological safety profile.

Conclusions:

• Honokiol is a promising natural compound with broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity.
• Its ability to target multiple oncogenic pathways and its safety profile make it a valuable candidate for cancer prevention and treatment, potentially in combination with conventional therapies.
• Further research into honokiol's therapeutic applications is warranted.