magnolol

Magnolol is a **hydroxylated biphenyl neolignan** and a major bioactive component isolated from the bark of Magnolia officinalis and related species. Traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicine, magnolol demonstrates a wide array of **pharmacological effects**: anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-microbial, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, smooth muscle relaxation, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and anti-obesity effects[1][2][3][7]. Mechanistically, magnolol is characterized as a **positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors**, a dual agonist of **peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)** and **retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα)**, and a **partial agonist at cannabinoid receptor CB2** (with lower activity at CB1)[2][5]. It also exhibits effects on serotonergic and muscarinic systems, which may underlie its anti-anxiety and anti-depressant actions[1][5]. Magnolol is mainly explored preclinically for neuroprotection, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular protective indications; numerous preclinical and some small clinical studies exist, but it is not an approved pharmaceutical for any condition in major regulatory jurisdictions[1][3][9]. It is primarily marketed as a **dietary supplement** or herbal component rather than a single-molecule pharmaceutical.

Other names

5,5'-diallyl-2,2'-dihydroxybiphenylMagnololMaglolMAGNOLOL(P)HONOKIOL(P) [used confusingly but honokiol is a different isomer]FEMA 4559FEMA4559FEMA-4559