Cancer, a formidable adversary to global health, continues to exact a heavy toll on humanity.
Its relentless growth, driven by complex factors including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, makes it a leading cause of mortality worldwide [1].
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the grim reality of cancer, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions [2]. While contemporary anticancer therapies have shown promise, they are often marred by side effects, poor patient compliance, and the ominous specter of drug resistance [3].
In response, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional herbal medicine, as natural products have been integral to human health for millennia, serving not only as sources of nutrition but also as potent medicines.
Traditional Herbal Medicines in the Fight Against Cancer
Traditional herbal medicines have long been revered for their potential health benefits and disease-fighting properties.
For example, Japanese herbal medicines known as ‘Kampo’ have demonstrated their ability to mitigate the side effects of cancer chemotherapy [3]. Meanwhile, India’s traditional medicine system, ‘Ayurveda,’ has been recognized for its detoxification properties, which can be invaluable for cancer patients [4].
Likewise, traditional Chinese medicine, such as ‘Houpu,’ frequently employs Magnolia officinalis and Magnolia obovata, both of which contain highly potent bioactive compounds like neolignan compounds, obovatol, magnolol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, and honokiol [5].
The Pursuit of Natural Anticancer Agents
The quest for natural anticancer agents has become a cornerstone in the fight against various diseases. This surge in interest can be attributed to the perceived reduced side effects and potential synergistic effects of natural compounds [11-19]. Among these, honokiol, a biphenyl neolignane compound extracted from the bark of the magnolia tree (Magnolia officinalis and Magnolia grandiflora), has garnered considerable attention in recent years. This compound, along with its analogues, has demonstrated noteworthy anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer properties in various in vitro and in vivo studies.
Lignans: Versatile Natural Compounds
Lignans, a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds predominantly found in plants, including seeds, whole grains, and vegetables, have also emerged as valuable contributors to human health. Extensive research has uncovered a wide range of pharmacological activities associated with lignans [20].
Their significant antioxidant properties make them potent scavengers of free radicals, thereby potentially preventing various diseases, including those affecting the cardiovascular system and cancer [20]. Dietary intake of lignans has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancer, possibly through their influence on tumor progression and metastasis [21].
Lignans have been shown to modulate hormone metabolism, shedding light on their protective role against hormone-dependent cancers [22]. These compounds can also benefit heart health by improving lipid profiles, reducing blood pressure, and inhibiting platelet aggregation, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombotic events [20].
Emerging evidence suggests that they might even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [20]. Lignans may also aid in diabetes management by enhancing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose levels. Furthermore, they have hepatoprotective effects, which could prove valuable in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis [20].
A multifaceted Mechanism of Action
The anticancer activity of honokiol lies in its multifaceted mechanism of action, making it a potent candidate for cancer prevention and therapy. As a small molecule polyphenolic compound belonging to the lignan family of phytochemicals, honokiol boasts a wide range of anticancer activities [23]. Given its broad-spectrum anticancer properties, there is a compelling case for developing analogues or performing chemical modifications on honokiol to optimize its profile.
Conclusion
The battle against cancer continues to challenge scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients worldwide. In this pursuit, natural compounds like honokiol and lignans have emerged as promising allies.
Their diverse pharmacological properties, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to hormone modulation and antimicrobial activity, offer multifaceted potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as various other diseases.
While modern medicine continues to evolve, it is evident that nature’s bounty, in the form of traditional herbal medicines and plant-derived compounds, remains a rich source of hope in the fight against cancer.
Further research into honokiol, lignans, and other natural agents may unlock new avenues for cancer therapeutics and inspire novel approaches to improving human health.
In deep….
Honokiol is a natural lignan found in Magnolia officinalis, a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Lignans are a class of polyphenols that are found in a variety of plants, including flaxseed, sesame seeds, and whole grains. Honokiol and other lignans have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.
What are lignans?
Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, which means that they are plant compounds that have estrogen-like activity. Lignans are also known as antioxidants, which means that they can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
How does honokiol work?
Honokiol is thought to work by targeting a variety of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms. For example, honokiol has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and prevent tumor metastasis. Honokiol has also been shown to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and protect neurons from damage.
Health benefits of honokiol and lignans
Honokiol and lignans have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including:
- Cancer prevention and treatment: Honokiol has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and prevent tumor metastasis. Honokiol has also been shown to be effective against a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Honokiol and lignans have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help to protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Neuroprotective effects: Honokiol has neuroprotective effects, which means that it can help to protect neurons from damage. Honokiol has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders.
- Other health benefits: Honokiol and lignans have also been shown to have a number of other health benefits, including improving blood sugar control, reducing cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system.
Safety and side effects of honokiol and lignans
Honokiol and lignans are generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as mild stomach upset, headache, or dizziness. Honokiol may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking honokiol or lignans, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.
Sources of honokiol and lignans
Honokiol can be found in Magnolia officinalis bark extract. Magnolia officinalis bark extract is available in capsule, powder, and liquid form. Lignans can be found in a variety of plant foods, including flaxseed, sesame seeds, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Honokiol and lignans are natural compounds with a wide range of health benefits. Honokiol has been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Lignans also have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Honokiol and lignans are generally safe for most people to consume, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.
Additional information on the health benefits of honokiol and lignans
Here is some additional information on the health benefits of honokiol and lignans:
Cancer prevention and treatment:
- Honokiol has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Honokiol has also been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
- Honokiol may also help to prevent tumor metastasis by preventing the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
- Lignans have also been shown to have anti-cancer effects. For example, lignans have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and colon cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects:
- Honokiol and lignans have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Honokiol has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Honokiol has also been shown to protect cells
reference link : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009279723004143
