Norcyclobenzaprine (aka desmethylcyclobenzaprine) is one of the major metabolites of cyclobenzaprine which is a muscle relaxant marketed under the brand name Flexeril. Both cyclobenzaprine and norcyclobenzaprine are known to be potent antagonists of the serotonin 2a receptor.

BIX-02188 is a selective inhibitor of MEK5 with IC50 of 4.3 nM, also inhibits ERK5 catalytic activity with IC50 of 810 nM, and does not inhibit closely related kinases MEK1, MEK2, ERK2, and JNK2. Intrathecal injection of BIX-02188, a novel specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinases kinase 5 (MEK5), produced a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the activation of spinal ERK5, without affecting activation of other MAPKs. Moreover, selective attenuation of spinal p-ERK5 expression by BIX-02188 could significantly relieve morphine withdrawal symptom, accompanying with the decreased phosphorylation of cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) in the spinal cord. These findings suggested that activation of the ERK5 signaling pathway might contribute to morphine physical dependence and its specific pharmacological inhibitor BIX0-2188 could be a potential therapeutic choice for alleviation of morphine withdrawal symptoms in the future.

The isomer of fucosterol, isofucosterol, has been identified as a minor constituent of marine sponge, Gynostemma pentafillum, oat seeds and a few other plants. Isofucosterol of marine sponge is believed to be the biosynthetic precursors of the antiviral orthoesterols and weinbersterols found in the same sponge. Isofucosterol exhibits lipase inhibitory effect, suggesting that it has potential as anti-obesity agent.

Ginkgolide A (GA, BN52020), is a terpene lactone constituent of Ginkgo biloba, the ginkgo tree, is the oldest living tree, with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgolide A is an effective antagonist of platelet activating factor, an ubiquitous phospholipid that acts as a mediator of numerous pathophysiological conditions. Ginkgolide A displays anxiolytic, antiinflammatory properties, protects from cerebral ischemia in animal models.

SCH-23390 is a potent and selective antagonist of the dopamine-1 and dopamine-5 receptors (Ki = 0.2 and 0.3 nM respectively). It was found to prevent death from d-amphetamine overdose in rats and has also been investigated as a potential treatment for Parkinson's Disease and Bipolar Disorder. A single clinical trial was conducted in healthy humans where SCH-23390 induced akathisia (motor restlessness). Preclinical and clinical trials as therapeutic have been discontinued due to side-effects and lack of efficacy. However, it should be noted that a C11 radiolabeled version of the compound has been synthesized and used as a PET imaging probe for the study of Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease.

(-)-Sesamin is a lignan present in sesam oil and a number of medicinal plants. It exerts various pharmacological effects, such as prevention of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and carcinogenesis. Moreover, (-)-sesamin has chemopreventive and anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. (-)-Sesamin is an inhibitor of human mitochondrial Lon protease and DNA damage agents to activate the DNA damage checkpoints as well induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells. (-)-Sesamin is an antioxidant, showing effective 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity.

Ro 4-1284 is a VMAT2 inhibitor. Compond exhibits reserpine-like effect and is used as a tool compound in preclinical studies, its chronic administration lead to such symptoms as deterioration of learning, decrease in locomotion in rearing, intense hypothermia

AM-966 is a potent antagonist of LPA(1) receptors, with selectivity for this receptor over the other LPA receptors. In vitro, AM-966 inhibited LPA-stimulated intracellular calcium release (IC(50)= 17 nM) from Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human LPA(1) receptors and inhibited LPA-induced chemotaxis (IC(50)= 181 nM) of human IMR-90 lung fibroblasts expressing LPA(1) receptors. AM-966 demonstrated a good pharmacokinetic profile following oral dosing in mice. In the mouse, AM-966 reduced lung injury, vascular leakage, inflammation and fibrosis at multiple time points following intratracheal bleomycin instillation. AM-966 also decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, transforming growth factor beta1, hyaluronan and matrix metalloproteinase-7, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. AM-966 as a potent, selective, orally bioavailable LPA(1) receptor antagonist that may be beneficial in treating lung injury and fibrosis, as well as other diseases that are characterized by pathological inflammation, oedema and fibrosis.

SB-224289 was originally developed by SmithKline, now known as GlaxoSmithKline. It was identified as an antagonist of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HT1B) and subsequently investigated for potential antidepressant activity, although no human trials have been reported. Interestingly, SB-224289 was also found to exhibit antagonistic activity for the antifungal mechanism of Marine Depsipeptide Papuamide A in Candida albicans; although the specific mechanism of action remains unknown.

Nervonic acid is a long chain unsaturated fatty acid that is enriched in sphingomyelin. It consists of choline, sphingosine, phosphoric acid, and fatty acid. Nervonic acid may enhance the brain functions and prevent demyelination (Chemical Land21). Research shows that there is negative relationship between nervonic acid and obesity-related risk factors. Demyelination in adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is associated with an accumulation of very long chain saturated fatty acids stemming from a genetic defect in the peroxisomal beta oxidation system responsible for the chain shortening of these fatty acids. Sphingolipids from post mortem ALD brain have decreased levels of nervonic acid, 24:1(n-9), and increased levels of stearic acid, 18:0. Nervonic acid (C24:1), a component of membrane sphingolipids and phosphatidylethanolamines, may be a useful predictor of chronic kidney disease mortality and diabetes. Nervonic acid oils are being studied for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and industrial applications. Nervonic acid is a major component of Lunaria oil. There is increasing evidence that dietary supplementation with nervonic acid is healthy for babies and infants during the early stage of brain development. Nervonic acid has been reported to reduce the shaking associated with Parkinson’s disease and the numbness caused by multiple sclerosis. It also has potential for treating schizophrenia and reducing early Alzheimer’s symptoms.