4'-O-Methylhonokiol is a phenol that has been found in M. grandiflora and has diverse biological activities.1,2,3,4 It is active against the bacteria B. subtilis, S. aureus, and M. smegmatis (MIC = 2.5 ?g/ml for all) and the fungus T. mentagrophytes (MIC = 1.25 ?g/ml).1 4'-O-Methylhonokiol (10 and 30 ?M) inhibits LPS-induced activation of NF-kB and production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 macrophages.2 In vivo, 4'-O-Methylhonokiol (20 and 200 mg/kg) reduces carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. It reduces neuronal apoptosis and escape latency in the Morris water maze in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease induced by amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ42) when administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg.3 4-O-methylhonokiol also reduces plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, ameliorates hepatic steatosis, and improves insulin resistance in a mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity.4
1.Clark, A.M., El-Feraly, F.S., and Li, W.S.Antimicrobial activity of phenolic constituents of Magnolia grandiflora LJ. Pharm. Sci.70(8)951-952(1981) 2.Zhou, H.Y., Shin, E.M., Guo, L.Y., et al.Anti-inflammatory activity of 4-methoxyhonokiol is a function of the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages via NF-kappaB, JNK and p38 MAPK inactivationEur. J. Pharmacol.586(1-3)340-349(2008) 3.Lee, J.W., Lee, Y.K., Lee, B.J., et al.Inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Magnolia officinalis and 4-O-methylhonokiol on memory impairment and neuronal toxicity induced by beta-amyloidPharmacol. Biochem. Behav.95(1)31-40(2010) 4.Zhang, Z., Chen, J., Jiang, X., et al.The magnolia bioactive constituent 4-O-methylhonokiol protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity and systemic insulin resistance in miceOxid. Med. Cell. Longev.2014965954(2014)