Nature's neuroprotector: Honokiol and its promise for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Abstract

Objectives

Two of the most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The available treatments for the conditions are few and frequently insufficient to stop their progression. Because of possible neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, neuromodulating, anti-inflammatory, and many more qualities, honokiol, a polyphenolic chemical that is derived from magnolia plants, has become a prospective option.

Methods

To investigate the potential benefits of Honokiol for neurodegenerative disease treatment and prevention, we searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases till 2024 using MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms such as “Honokiol”, “Alzheimer's disease”, “Parkinson's disease”, “Neuroprotective effect”, “Anti-oxidant”, “Anti-inflammatory”, “Anti-apoptotic”, and further related keywords combined with the words “Structure”, “Physicochemical properties”, “Pharmacokinetic”, “Toxicology”.

Results

This article reviews the pharmacological effects of honokiol in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases based on in vivo and in vitro research. In preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, honokiol showed promise in lowering the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, phosphorylating tau, and enhancing cognitive performance. Also, honokiol demonstrated promise in preventing the degradation of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease and improving motor function.

Conclusion

Honokiol demonstrated promise in minimizing the degradation of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease as well as improving motor function. This suggests the possible therapeutic and neuroprotective advantages of honokiol. Given its capacity to regulate important pathological processes such as protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, the drug seems to be a promising option for additional clinical investigation.