Gallic acid is a polyphenol found in a variety of foods and herbs. Several studies have shown thta gallic acid has neuroprotective and anti-oxidant properties and can be a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fatty liver disease and many others. Gallic acid acts by protecting cells against oxidative damage caused by reactive species often encountered in biological systems including, hydroxyl, superoxide and peroxyl and the non-radicals, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. However, its ability to induce apoptosis, is mainly associated with its prooxidant, rather than antioxidant behavior.

Hydrastine is an alkaloid, one of the chief components of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) which was discovered in 1851 by Alfred P. Durand. Goldenseal is unique from other hydrastine containing plants in that (-)-β- hydrastine is the only hydrastine isomer present, while the (+)-enantiomer is found in other hydrastine-containing plants. . While a number of therapeutic activities have been attributed to berberine, the pharmacological effects of hydrastine are less studied and its safety profile is poorly understood and to frame the relevant pharmacological effects of hydrastine within the specific stereochemistry found in goldenseal. Hydrastine has been shown to have several specific biological activities including, inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase in PC-12 cells, a relaxant effect on guinea pig isolated trachea, and inhibition of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Toxicological studies performed on goldenseal powder in mice and rats indicate that at commonly used doses goldenseal supplements are non-toxic, thus its constituents are likely to be safe for human use when taken at reasonable doses. Despite goldenseal’s widespread usage, the pharmacokinetics of hydrastine in humans has not been adequately described. While it is difficult to determine the proper dosage range for any herbal product, a recent extensive survey of the literature suggests a daily dose of Hydrastis in the range of 0.9 to 3 g per day. Hydrastine has been reported to elicit abortifacient effects and induce preterm labor in pregnant women when taken orally.

Phenylmercuric ammonium acetate is a fungicide and bactericide. It is used for the seed treatment.

Melatonin (5-methoxy N-acetyltryptamine) is a hormone synthesized and released from the pineal gland at night, which acts on specific high affinity G-protein coupled receptors to regulate various aspects of physiology and behaviour, including circadian and seasonal responses, and some retinal, cardiovascular and immunological functions. Melatonin is also made synthetically and available without a prescription as an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement in the U.S. Melatonin supplementation has many uses, however, it has been widely studied for treatment of jet lag and sleep disorders. Parents may consider using melatonin to help their child who has a trouble falling asleep. A medical professional should always evaluate insomnia or other sleeping disorders in children. Additionally, melatonin has been shown to protect against oxidative stress in various, highly divergent experimental systems. There are many reasons for its remarkable protective potential. In mammals, melatonin binds to a number of receptor subtypes including high-affinity (MT1 and MT2) and low-affinity (MT3, nuclear orphan receptors) binding sites, which are distributed throughout the central nervous system and periphery.

Noscapine (also known as Narcotine, Nectodon, Nospen, Anarcotine and (archaic) Opiane) is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from plants of the poppy family, without painkilling properties. This agent is primarily used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. Noscapine is often used as an antitussive medication. A 2012 Dutch guideline, however, does not recommend its use for coughing. Noscapine can increase the effects of centrally sedating substances such as alcohol and hypnotics. Noscapine should not be taken in conjunction with warfarin as the anticoagulant effects of warfarin may be increased. Noscapine, and its synthetic derivatives called noscapinoids, are known to interact with microtubules and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Mechanisms for its antitussive action are unknown, although animal studies have suggested central nervous system as a site of action. Furthermore, noscapine causes apoptosis in many cell types and has potent antitumor activity against solid murine lymphoid tumors (even when the drug was administered orally) and against human breast and bladder tumors implanted in nude mice. Because noscapine is water-soluble and absorbed after oral administration, its chemotherapeutic potential in human cancer merits thorough evaluation. Antifibrotic effect of noscapine based on novel mechanism, which it shows through EP2 prostaglandin E2 receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase A.

Antipyrine is an analgesic and antipyretic that has been given by mouth and as ear drops. It is often used in testing the effects of other drugs or diseases on drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver. It inhibits cyclooxygenases and shows little anti-inflammatory activity. Like many old and approved substances after almost 100 years of use, antipyrine has been associated with some serious side effects, namely agranulocytosis and shock reactions.

Lobeline is an alkaloid found in "Indian tobacco" (Lobelia inflata), "Devil's tobacco" (Lobelia tupa), "cardinal flower" (Lobelia cardinalis), "great lobelia" (Lobelia siphilitica), and Hippobroma longiflora. Additionally, it is also found in Lobelia Chinensis. In its pure form, it is a white amorphous powder which is freely soluble in water. Lobeline has been sold, in tablet form, for use as a smoking cessation aid, and may have application in the treatment of other drug addictions such as addiction to amphetamines, cocaine, or alcohol. Lobeline has multiple mechanisms of action, acting as a VMAT2 ligand, which stimulates dopamine release to a moderate extent when administered alone, but reduces the dopamine release caused by methamphetamine. It also inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin and acts as a mixed agonist-antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to which it binds at the subunit interfaces of the extracellular domain. It is also an antagonist at μ-opioid receptors. It seems to be a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, according to at least one study. It has been hypothesized that P-glycoprotein inhibition reduces chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer, presumably affecting any substrates of P-gp.

Sodium 3,4-dimethylphenylglyoxylate is a topical analgesic, sunscreen ingredient, UV-B absorber, FDA approved.

Quinine ascorbate is a salt of antimalarial drug quinine and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Ascorbate reduces the potency of quinolone-containing anti-malarial drugs. Quinine ascorbate was marketed as a component of over-the-counter smoking deterrent products but was not recognized as safe by the FDA regulation in 1993.

Tribromsalan (trade name Temasept IV) is a member of brominated salicylanilides chemical family. Was initially registered in 1964 manufactured by Hexcel Corporation, Sherwin Williams Chemicals. It is a pesticide type with antimicrobial and preservative features found its application in hard surfaces, laundry, textiles, and manufactured products. Types of tribromsalan formulations include solid, solutions, and sprays and its usual carrier is soap. Limited exposure is possible based on the registered uses of these products as disinfectants, laundry additives, textile preservatives, and manufactured products and do not include direct application to a food or feed crop. In 1974 FDA directed the removal of tribromsalan drug products from the market because it was found to make skin extrasensitive to light. For the same reason it was forbidden in Europe since the 1970s. Since 1982 the OTC topical antimicrobial drug products rulemaking was reopened and included tribromsalan in a list of antimicrobial OTC Drug Products. At present tribromsalan is considered an antiseptic active ingredient eligible for the OTC use as a consumer antiseptic hand and body wash drug product. It was reported that tribromsalan, inhibits NF-kappaB signaling via inhibition of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation with IC50 of 7.9 uM. This finding provides new information on activities and mechanisms of action that may suggest mechanisms of potential novel applications in cancer treatment of such drugs as tribromsalan.