Biphenyl-type neolignans from Magnolia officinalis and their anti-inflammatory activities

► Five compounds were isolated from Magnolia officinalis. ► Several isolated compounds inhibited fMLP-induced O2
- −generation (IC50 ⩽ 10.7 μM). ► Several inhibited fMLP-induced elastase release (IC50 ⩽ 8.76 μM). ► Two are potential candidates for treatment of inflammatory diseases.