Aloe emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone found in Aloe vera leaves. It plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and death. It has been reported to promote the anti-cancer effects in various cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Aloe emodin selectively inhibits human neuroectodermal tumor cell growth in tissue cultures and in animal models. It has significant antileukemic activity against the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice. Anti-glioma action of Aloe emodin involves ERK-independent induction of both apoptosis and autophagy, as well as ERK inhibition-mediated differentiation of glioma cells. Aloe-emodin can not pass through the blood-brain barrier.

Magnolol is a small polyphenolic molecule with low toxicity that is isolated from the herb genus Magnolia. In preclinical experiments, magnolol was found to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-depressant properties. Magnolol is a dual agonist targeting both nuclear receptors retinoic X receptor α (RXRα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ). These proteins function potently in metabolic diseases and are both important targets for anti-diabetic drugs. In addition, was made a suggestion, that magnolol might exert antiepileptic activity by acting at the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor complex. Magnolol might be of benefit to the treatment of refractory Candida infection. In addition, it might be a candidate as an agent for the prevention of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. It is known, that the accumulation of oxygen-free radicals and activation of neutrophils are strongly implicated as important pathophysiological mechanisms mediating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. It has been proven that various antioxidants have cardioprotective effects, including magnolol. Its properties were studied in the rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.