PYM50018 (also known as Myogane or SARSAGENIN) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in several preclinical models. It was observed that PYM50018 protects against neuronal damage, increases neurite outgrowth, reverses oxidative damage and reversed neuronal apoptosis. PYM50018 is in phase I clinical study for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Smilagenin (also known as PYM50028 and Cogane) is a constituent of Jamaican sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) and is a neuroprotectant that has been evaluated in Phase II clinical trials in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. On 27 September 2011, the European Commission to Phytopharm plc, United Kingdom, granted orphan designation for smilagenin for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The details of the mechanism of action of smilagenin are incomplete but involve the upregulation of neurotrophic factors including Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.