Andrographolide, a diterpenoid, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It can be isolated from various plants of the genus Andrographis, commonly known as 'creat'. Andrographolide has been tested for its anti-inflammatory effects in various stressful conditions, such as ischemia, pyrogenesis, arthritis, hepatic or neural toxicity, carcinoma, and oxidative stress. Apart from its anti-inflammatory effects, andrographolide also exhibits immunomodulatory effects by effectively enhancing cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The properties of andrographolide, such as its ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells and inhibition of DTH, its anti-oxidative and cytoprotective effect, and its ability to enhance CTLs and NK cell activation makes it a potent antiviral agent. Andrographolide inhibited the growth of human breast, prostate, and hepatoma tumors. Andrographolide could be a potent anticancer agent when used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Perzinfotel (EAA-090) is a novel squaric acid amide derivative that has been identified as a potential treatment for ischemic brain damage resulting from stroke. EAA-090 is a competitive inhibitor at the NMDA-selective subtype of the glutamate receptor. The compound demonstrates potent inhibitory activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of NMDA-induced excitotoxicity and provides neuroprotective efficacy in several animal models of stroke. EAA-090 is unique among competitive NMDA antagonists in displaying a clear separation between predicted efficacious dose and doses that induce PCP-like psychotomimetic side effects in both animals and humans. This unique profile makes EAA-090 an exciting candidate for assessing the neuroprotective potential of the competitive NMDA mechanism.

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.

Levovirin is a guanosine nucleoside analog and the L-enantiomer of ribavirin. It is an investigational drug for the treatment of hepatitis C virus-mediated diseases. Levovirin has a similar immunomodulatory potency to ribavirin in vitro without accumulating in red blood cells or causing hemolytic anemia, a known side effect of ribavirin. Levovirin has been shown to stimulate host immune responses (enhanced Th1 and reduced Th2 cytokine expression). Significantly improved oral absorption of levovirin was achieved following administration of a valine ester prodrug of levovirin R1518. Levovirin was found more potent to inhibit Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) on the basis of robust binding affinity between protein-drug interactions. This finding may help to understand the nature of helicase and development of specific anti-TBEV therapies.

Olesoxime (TRO19622) a small-molecule with a cholesterol-like structure has remarkable neuroprotective properties for motor neurons in cell culture and in rodents. The biopharmaceutical company Trophos initially developed this compound. This medicine is in phase II clinical trial in treating spinal muscular atrophy and in phase I for patients with stable relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. This drug was also investigated in phase III clinical trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but it did not demonstrate a significant increase in survival versus placebo and that study was discontinued. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the olesoxime promoted the function and survival of neurons and other cell types under disease-relevant stress conditions through interactions with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).

RO-20-1724 is a potent inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) originally developed by Roche. It showed some promise as a potential treatment for psoriasis, but it was discontinued when it could not match the efficacy of existing treatments. RO-20-1724 was also investigated as a potential treatment for asthma and septic shock.

Shikonin is a major naphthoquinone compound found in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and exhibits powerful anticancer activities for various cancer cells. Shikonin and its derivatives are characterized by a wide spectrum of antibacterial activities: high antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus et al.), a stable fungicidal effect towards Candida and Trichosporon fungi. Shikonin normalizes the production of the key mediators of inflammation IL-1 and IL-2, IFN-γ, reduces vascular permeability in the focus of inflammation, exhibiting a marked anti-inflammatory effect. Combined therapy with applications of a bio-polymeric film with shikonin and its esters (naphthoquinone derivatives) led to an obvious improvement of the clinical parameters and reduced the morphological signs of the buccal mucosal lesions. The drug was well tolerated by all patients and no side effects were recorded. Shikonin, as a naturally occurring, low-molecular-weight pan-chemokine receptor inhibitor, constitutes a basis for the development of novel anti-HIV therapeutic agents.

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.

Trimethylcolchicinic acid (also known as deacetyl colchicine) was used for patients with advanced malignancies. However, these studies were discontinued. Expeiments on rat were shown, that trimethylcolchicinic acid was able to improve normal liver histology, ultrastructure, collagen content and biochemical markers of liver damage in spite of that trimethylcolchicinic acid, didn't bind tubulin.

Eugenol is sometimes called clove oil because it is the active element in cloves. It causes the aromatic smell typical of cloves and because of this property is often found in perfumes. Eugenol’s properties make it a good local antiseptic and analgesic. It is used in dentist offices to make zinc-oxide eugenol paste for temporary fillings. Eugenol also demonstrates antifungal and antimicrobial activity, showing efficacy against Candida albicans biofilms, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Eugenol is further described to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to scavenge ROS, thus demonstrating prooxidant and antioxidant effects. Also, Eugenol is used as a pesticide.