Honokiol Targeting SIRT3: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

Honokiol (HKL), one of the major bioactive components of the traditional Chinese medicine Magnolia officinalis, has garnered significant attention because of its extensive pharmacological activities. Numerous studies have demonstrated that SIRT3 plays a crucial regulatory role in the disease intervention mechanisms mediated by HKL. HKL can bind to the SIRT3 protein, not only directly increasing its deacetylase activity but also forming a positive feedback loop by activating its transcription factors, thereby further promoting SIRT3 expression. This dual regulatory mechanism effectively restores the function of downstream proteins, activates intracellular protective mechanisms, and combats a variety of pathological processes, including aging, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic disorders. It has shown broad prospects in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, degenerative bone and joint diseases, lung diseases, and metabolic disorders. Although HKL is a highly recognized SIRT3 activator, there is currently no comprehensive review systematically summarizing the research on HKL as a SIRT3 activator. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress over the past decade since the discovery of HKL as a SIRT3 activator. Through in-depth analysis of the literature, we focused on elucidating the biological functions of HKL through SIRT3 activation in various disease models and the signaling pathways involved. These findings emphasize the therapeutic development value and significant application potential of HKL as a SIRT3 activator, providing a theoretical basis for the development of natural products that target SIRT3.