Comprised of over 200 species, magnolias were used thousands of years ago in Chinese medicine to cure a variety of ailments. Health benefits commonly associated with these beautiful plants include alleviating menstrual cramps, improving cognition in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, lessening anxiety, and combating diabetes and illnesses related to the liver. However, in recent years the discovery of the chemical compound honokiol in Magnolia bark has added anti-cancer treatment to the growing list of uses for this seemingly magical tree.
Magnolia trees contain a chemical compound called honokiol that functions as an antioxidant and helps maintain cortisol levels which affect stress and anxiety. Honokiol is special type of molecule called a polyphenol that can be isolated from the bark, leaves, and seeds of the magnolia plant. This same compound has also demonstrated the ability to to block proteins involved in tumor growth related to neck and head cancer. New studies have also indicated honokiol as being a potential tool to combat breast and prostate cancer.
In one study, honokiol was applied to various human breast cancer cell lines. The compound appeared to inhibit the growth of cells in the G1 phase, where the cell prepares the necessary proteins for proliferation. Honokiol was also applied to these cancer cells in combination with other anti-cancer therapeutics and demonstrated the ability to work cooperatively with other treatments in causing cell death. Overall, the experiment indicated that there was inhibition of growth in all the breast cancer cell lines.
As a natural compound found in magnolia trees, honokiol has proven to be an effective treatment to combat cancer. However, it is important to keep in mind that in order to harness the anti-cancer properties of magnolia, it would be best to isolate the honokiol from the bark because other compounds in the plant have proven to cause negative side effects. Various other compounds also present in the bark can cause vertigo, breathing problems, and fatigue. Currently, you can find magnolia extracts with honokiol on the market, but they should not replace any forms of treatment prescribed by your doctor, and always consult a physician before trying alternative therapies.
Feature Image Source: TracyElaine
