Honokiol, a multifunctional tumor cell death inducer.

Honokiol is a small-molecule pharmacologically active component which has various medicinal applications. Increasing interest is paid on its multifunctional anti-tumor effects including inducing tumor cell death, anti-angiogenesis, anti-migration and anti-multiple drug resistance. We addressed a brief summary of the anti-tumor actions and potential applications of honokiol. This review is mainly focused on the multiple types of cell death induced by honokiol, and its potential role in overcoming multiple drug resistance.