Miltefosine is an anti-leishmanial agent. It is an alkyl phospholipids compound, was originally intended for breast cancer and other solid tumors. However, it could not be developed as an oral agent because of dose-limiting gastro-intestinal toxicity, and only a topical formulation is approved for skin metastasis. But Miltefosine showed excellent antileishmanial activity both in vitro and in experimental models. Miltefosine is effective in vitro against both promastigotes and amastigotes of various species of Leishmania and also other kinetoplastidae (Trypanosoma cruzi,T. brucei) and other protozoan parasites (Entamoeba histolytica, Acanthamoeba). Mechanism of action is unknown. It is likely to involve interaction with lipids (phospholipids and sterols), including membrane lipids, inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial function), and apoptosis-like cell death. Miltefosine is approved for the treatment of Visceral leishmaniasis (due to Leishmania donovani), Cutaneous leishmaniasis (due to Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania guyanensis, and Leishmania panamensis) and Mucosal leishmaniasis (due to Leishmania braziliensis).

Pitavastatin is a new synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) inhibitor, which was developed, and has been available in Japan since July 2003. Metabolism of pitavastatin by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system is minimal, principally through CYP 2C9, with little involvement of the CYP 3A4 isoenzyme, potentially reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions between pitavastatin and other drugs known to inhibit CYP enzymes. To date, human and animal studies have shown pitavastatin to be potentially as effective in lowering LDL-cholesterol levels as rosuvastatin. Pitavastatin under the trade name Livalo is indicated as an adjunctive therapy to diet to reduce elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglycerides (TG), and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Pitavastatin competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, which is a rate-determining enzyme involved with biosynthesis of cholesterol, in a manner of competition with the substrate so that it inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver. As a result, the expression of LDL-receptors followed by the uptake of LDL from blood to liver is accelerated and then the plasma TC decreases. Further, the sustained inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver decreases levels of very low density lipoproteins. Common statin-related side effects (headaches, stomach upset, abnormal liver function tests and muscle cramps) were similar to other statins.

Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic derivative of the natural estrogen estradiol. It is one of two estrogens currently used in oral contraceptive pills. The other, mestranol, is converted to ethinyl estradiol before it is biologically active. Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone are used together as an oral contraceptive agent. Estrogens diffuse into their target cells and interact with a protein receptor. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Estrogens increase the hepatic synthesis of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and other serum proteins and suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary. This cascade is initiated by initially binding to the estrogen receptors. The combination of an estrogen with a progestin suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary system, decreasing the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Used for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause, female hypogonadism, prostatic carcinoma-palliative therapy of advanced disease, breast cancer, as an oral contraceptive, and as emergency contraceptive.

Hydroxytamoxifen (Afimoxifene) is an active metabolite of tamoxifen exerting estrogen receptor modulatory function. In addition, hydroxytamoxifen binds to regulates transcriptional activity of the estrogen-related receptor gamma. ASCEND Therapeutics, Inc. was developing TamoGel (4-hydroxytamoxifen gel) for a variety of estrogen-dependent conditions, including breast cancer, cyclic breast pain and gynecomastia.

DB05448 (PX-12, 1-methyl propyl 2-imidazolyl disulfide) is a small molecule irreversible inhibitor of the redox protein thioredoxin, which has been associated with cancer and tumor growth. DB05448 stimulates apoptosis, down-regulates HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibits tumor growth in animal models. Since high levels of Trx-1 have been associated with colorectal, gastric and lung cancers, DB05448 is indicated as a potential cancer treatment in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced metastatic cancer. Initial trials correlated doses of DB05448 with increased patient survival.

Sanguinarine is an extract of the bloodroot plant Sanguinaria canadensis, a member of the poppy family. It is an inhibitor of protein phosphatases PP1, PP2C and PP2B in vitro. Also inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and other enzymes. Sanguinarine exerts a protective effect in cerebral ischemia, and this effect is associated with its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. It was clinically tested as an agent against gingivitis and tooth plaques.

Acteoside (verbsacoside) is the one of the main active phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola, Lantana camara and some others herbs. It is known to have antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, and herbs containing it are used to enhance memory and can be studied for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It is known, that amyloid fibrils accumulation in cerebral can easily lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Acteoside has been reported to inhibit Aβ42 aggregation by activating nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. It has also been shown that acteoside could decrease nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and caspase-3 expression. Acteoside is a natural antioxidant product unlike other anti-tumor compounds, is an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). In addition Reh-acteoside, a general acteoside of Rehmannia leaves was studied in phase 2/3 clinical trials for patients with IgA nephropathy.

Sulforaphane is a naturally-occurring phytochemical belonging to the class of isothiocyanates. As the aglycone metabolite of glucosinolate glucoraphanin (sulforaphane glucosinolate), sulforaphane acts as an antioxidant and potent stimulator of endogenous detoxifying enzymes. This agent displays anticarcinogenic properties due to its ability to induce phase II detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase, thereby providing protection against certain carcinogens and toxic, reactive oxygen species. Broccoli sprouts contain large amounts of sulforaphane, which is also found in other cruciferous vegetables including cabbage and kale. Sulforaphane is under investigation for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Khellin is a crystalline extract of a crude drug, which has long been used in Egypt for the treatment of ureteral colic. It is used in the management of bronchial asthma and angina pectoris. Interest in khellin as an adjunct to ultraviolet (UV) light therapy in the treatment of vitiligo is based on the structural similarity between khellin and the psoralens. Success has been reported using oral and topical khellin in clinical studies but it is not likely that khellin will be approved for the treatment of vitiligo. Unwanted side effects of khellin include dizziness, reversible cholestatic jaundice, pseudoallergic reaction, and elevated levels of liver enzymes (transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase).

Salicylamide is a non-prescription drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties (NSAID). It is used in combination with aspirin and caffeine in the over-the-counter pain remedies (such as EXAPRIN). Salicylamide can produce sedation and sleep in humans and animals. Has been used as model drug in pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies as a dophamine 2 receptor ligand. Salicylamide is a white or light pink crystals or powder. Organic compound it is a carboxamide derivative of salicylic acid.