Honokiol up-regulates prostacyclin synthease protein expression and inhibits endothelial cell apoptosis

Cytotoxicity of the bisphenolic honokiol from Magnolia officinalis against multiple drug-resistant tumor cells as determined by pharmacogenomics and molecular docking

“…It is remarkable that a number of genes involved in blood coagulation appeared in our approach. This result fits well with the anti-thrombotic activity of honokiol that has been previously described (Hu et al, 2005;Zhang et al, 2007). This result indicates that this cancer cell-focused approach may not only unravel cancer-related molecular mechanisms, but also modes of actions of natural products unrelated to their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells.…”

The role of the endothelium in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

“…Apoptosis on exposure to CSE was prevented by treatment with the prostacyclin analogue beraprost sodium [139]. Similarly, another treatment known to upregulate prostacyclin levels, Honokiol (a compound extracted from a Chinese medicinal herb) also reduced apoptosis in endothelial cells in response to low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) in vitro [140]. Human studies have also shown lower prostacyclin expression levels in emphysematous lung compared to normal lung and demonstrated that another prostacyclin analogue (iloprost) also prevented endothelial apoptosis in vitro [141].…”

Molecular Mechanisms Regulating the Vascular Prostacyclin Pathways and Their Adaptation during Pregnancy and in the Newborn

“…Cicletanine, an antihypertensive drug acting by increasing NO synthesis and blocking Ca 2ϩ channels, increases PGI 2 production possibly through activation of PGIS, stimulation of AA release, or increased cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity (Kalinowski et al, 1999). In addition, honokiol, a biphenyl neolignan in the cortex of Magnolia officinalis, has antithrombotic effects as a result of increased PGIS expression and inhibition of TXA 2 production (Zhang et al, 2007).…”