Magnolol is an organic compound that is classified as lignan. It is a bioactive compound found in the bark of the Houpu magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and in M. grandiflora.

Magnolol is a compound that acts on GABA_A receptors and functions as an allosteric modulator. It has antifungal properties and demonstrates anti-periodontal disease effects in animal models. In cell cultures, magnolol stimulates osteoblasts and inhibits osteoclasts, indicating potential for anti-osteoporosis treatment. It also binds in a dimeric form to PPARγ, acting as an agonist of this nuclear receptor. Additionally, magnolol may interact with cannabinoid receptors, acting as a partial agonist of CB2 receptors with lower affinity for CB1 receptors.

It is known to act on the GABA_A receptors in rat cells in vitro as well as having antifungal properties. Magnolol has a number of osteoblast-stimulating and osteoclast-inhibiting activities in cell culture and has been suggested as a candidate for screening for anti-osteoporosis activity. It has anti-periodontal disease activity in a rat model. Structural analogues have been studied and found to be strong allosteric modulators of GABA_A.

Magnolol is also binding in dimeric mode to PPARγ, acting as an agonist of this nuclear receptor.

Magnolol may interact with cannabinoid receptors, acting as a partial agonist of CB₂ receptors, with lower affinity for the CB₁ receptor.