Abstract: New hydroxybiphenyl compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 stands for a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R.sub.2 for a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R.sub.3 for a hydroxyl group, a group of the formula --CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or a group of the formula --CH.dbd.CH--CHO, R.sub.4 for a hydrogen atom or a group of the formula ##STR2## and R.sub.5 for a hydroxyl group or a group of the formula ##STR3## These compounds are obtained by extraction of "Tokoboku", i.e. dried cortex of Magnolia officinalis which belongs to the family Magnoliaceae. They are useful as pharmaceuticals or intermediates therefor, in particular as anti-allergics.