Magnolia liliflora is a small tree native to southwest China. Known by various names, such as Mulan magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, and Jane magnolia, it grows in Korea, China, and Japan, where it is used as oriental medicine due to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. In Korea, the flowers of M. liliflora have been drunk as tea and used in alcoholic beverages to treat cold, rhinitis, and other disorders in respiratory system. The flower buds are taken before they bloom, dried in the shadow, and used as oriental medicine for swelling, rhinitis, and improvement of eyesight.

There are not many scientific research studies conducted on the beneficial effects by M. liliflora. It is reported that the extracts from M. liliflora showed anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. It is also reported that the flowers showed anti-oxidant effect due to its content of phenolic compounds, and M. liliflora contained the highest total polyphenol compounds among the species in Magnolia.