Active Constituents of Magnolia officinalis in Cancer Management: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

The global incidence and mortality of cancer continue to increase, and various chemotherapeutic agents, while highly effective, are associated with serious side effects like immunosuppression, metabolic dysfunction, and drug resistance. As a complementary or alternative approach, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is known for its multi-target mechanisms and low toxicity, has garnered increasing attention in cancer research. Magnolia officinalis (M. officinalis) is a member of the Magnoliaceae family, and dried bark from its stems, roots, and branches is its primary medicinal part. According to TCM theory, M. officinalis may resolve dampness, eliminate phlegm, promote qi circulation, and relieve stagnation, and it has been widely applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Modern pharmacological studies have identified bioactive compounds, including lignans, volatile oils, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, in M. officinalis, but the mechanisms underlying these pharmacological effects are still unclear and their clinical applications are limited by the lack of robust clinical evidence. We conducted a systematic review of both contemporary research databases (e.g., PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, and other Chinese medical databases) and classic TCM literature to compile the bioactive components of M. officinalis, their pharmacological mechanisms in oncology, and recent preclinical progress. We also discuss the prospects and challenges of developing M. officinalis as an anticancer agent to provide a theoretical basis for its future development and clinical application.