Methysticin is a kavalactone originally found in Piper methysticum (kava plant). Methysticin exhibits neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and antifungal activities. Methysticin may also display anti-inflammatory benefit, inhibiting activation of NF-κB in lung adenocarcinoma tissue. Methysticin activates Nrf2 in neurons and astroglia, protecting against amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity. This compound displays antimicrobial efficacy against species of Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Colletotrichum. Additionally, methysticin inhibits peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na+ channels in hippocampal neurons. Methysticin administration activates the Nrf2 pathway and reduces neuroinflammation, hippocampal oxidative damage and memory loss in a mouse model of AD. Therefore, kavalactones might be suitable candidates to serve as lead compounds for the development of a new class of neuroprotective drugs.

Myricitrin is a naturally occurring polyphenol hydroxy flavonoid. Myricitrin has a variety of beneficial properties, such as antiviral, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, and anticarcinogenic activities. In particular, myricitrin possesses stronger oxidative resistance and free radical scavenging activity than other flavonol rhamnosides or quercetin. Myricitrin showed antipsychotic-like effects in animal models at doses that did not induce catalepsy or alter locomotor activity, suggesting that myricitrin may be a potential drug treatment for the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Betonicine (trans-2-carboxy-4-hydroxy-1,1,-dimethylpyrrolidinium hydroxide, inner salt) and its cis isomer, turicine, are naturally occurring substituted pyrrolidines. Betonicine was used as an analgesic 1000 years ago and is still available commercially from herbalists today. Betonicine has been isolated from Achillea millefolium L. (Compositae) and probably from A. atrata L. (Compositae); it is an alkaloid. Proline betaine and Betonicine were identified as metabolically inert cell protectants against extremes in osmolarity and growth temperatures.

1-Phenyl-3-pyrazolidinone (phenidone) is a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Phenidone inhibits both the LO (lipoxygenase) and Cox (cyclooxygenase) pathways, the synthesis of Fos-related antigen protein, and is described as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compound. Phenidone is a potent hypotensive agent in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Phenidone was also the best in suppressing LPS induced neurotoxicity, where the more potent neuroprotection by phenidone may be attributable to the synergistic effects of dual COX and LOX inhibition. Therefore, dual inhibitors of COX and LOX, such as phenidone, represent valuable candidates for the development of novel drugs for inflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders including PD.

CP 154526 hydrochloride is a selective, non-peptide corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRF1) antagonist. CP 154526 readily penetrates the CNS following peripheral administration. In the clinic, CP-154,526 may have important therapeutic utility in treating depression and anxiety as well as other diseases where excessive stimulation of CRF receptors contributes to pathology. The CRF1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526 attenuated the acquisition and prevented the expression of EtOH-induced psychomotor sensitization.

Esculetin (aka Aesculetin) is a derivative of coumarin. It is a naturally occurring lactone which is present in chicory and in many toxic medicinal plants; often found in a glycosidic form or conjugated to caffeic acids. It is used as an ingredient in some sunscreens, but there is evidence that it acts as a photosensitizer for DNA damage. Esculetin has been investigated in a number of cellular and animal cancer models, and for other conditions such as dry eyes.

Stachydrine, a pyrrolidine betaine, was first isolated from seed husk and the pulp of the fruit of C. Leonurus, and many other Asian plants and fruits. Stachydrine is an anti-metastatic agent. Stachydrine hydrochloride induces apoptosis in MCF-7 and T47D cells and exerts inhibitory effects on proliferation by concurrently suppressing Akt and ERK survival signals, suggesting its potential efficiency in treatment of breast cancer. Stachydrine (Sta) has also been reported to possess numerous cardioprotective effects. It ameliorated pressure overload-induced diastolic heart failure by suppressing myocardial fibrosis.

Benzyl-beta-D-glucoside (benzyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, BG) is a benzoyl glucoside, a natural substance that can be found in Pteris ensiformis. Benzyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, the constituent of the fruit of Prunus mume has been shown to relieve tension in experimental menopausal model rats (M-rats) caused by ether stress.

Acetoxycycloheximide is a protein synthesis inhibitor. Acetoxycycloheximide has been previously shown to induce rapid apoptosis mediated by the release of cytochrome c in human leukemia Jurkat cells. It has also been shown to block the TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB via ectodomain shedding of TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1) in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Acetoxycycloheximide triggers the downregulation of cell surface TNF-R1 via the activation of ERK and p38 MAP kinase, thereby preventing activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway by TNF-alpha.

4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) is a chemical compound that is not directly added to food; rather it is formed as a byproduct in some foods and beverages during the normal cooking process. For example, 4-MEI may form when coffee beans are roasted and when meats are roasted or grilled. 4-MEI also forms as a trace impurity during the manufacturing of certain types of caramel coloring (known as Class III and Class IV caramel coloring) that are used to color cola-type beverages and other foods. In recent years, evidence for the carcinogenicity of 4-MEI has raised concerns about uses of caramel color type III and IV that may expose consumers to 4-MEI and increase cancer risk.