Botanical source: Magnolia officinalis Rehd.et Wils.
Biogenic origin: Wild in central and southern China

A compound found in magnolia species holds exciting promise in the management of anxiety, cancer, and other challenging conditions.

Honokiol is a bi-phenolic compound with the formula C18H18O2 and a relatively small molecular weight of 266 grams/mole. This molecule is found in several species of the genus magnolia including M. officinalis, obovata, and grandifolia. It is an isomer of another compound also found in magnolia materials called magnolol, which has 1000 times the antioxidant potential of vitamin E. The dried bark of M. officinalis usually has about 1-5% hanokiol and 2-10% magnolol.