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.

β-phenylethylamine (2-phenylethylamine) is a small amine containing alkaloid synonymous with phenethylamine and the acronym PEA; in the human body it has a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter role and is known as a trace amine due to its low quantity relative to other bioactive amino acids. PEA was characterized as a substrate for type B monoamine oxidase. PEA functions by activating trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 and TAAR2) thereby regulating monoamine turnover. Ring-substituted phenethylamines, commonly known as 2Cs, are designer drugs that are emerging as new drugs of abuse. PEA administration may be therapeutic in selected depressed patients.

alpha-Solanine, a naturally occurring steroidal glycoalkaloid in potato sprouts, was found to possess anti-carcinogenic properties, such as inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. Human intake of high doses of alpha-Solanine has led to acute intoxication, in severe cases coma and death. The ratio of a-solanine to a-chaconine may determine the degree and nature of the glycoalkaloid toxicity in potatoes, as the toxicity of the two alkaloids act synergistically. alpha-Solanine can inhibit cholinesterase, disrupt cell membranes, and cause birth defects. Some studies suggests that the toxic mechanism of solanine is caused by the chemical's interaction with mitochondrial membranes. Experiments show that solanine exposure opens the potassium channels of mitochondria, decreasing their membrane potential. This, in turn, leads to K+ being transported from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and this increased concentration of K+ in the cytoplasm triggers cell damage and apoptosis.

1,2-didecanoylglycerol (also known as glyceryl 1,2-dicaprate or 1,2-dicaprin), a synthetic diacylglycerol, is the substrate for human pancreatic lipase. It activates protein kinase C in platelets and enhances anterior pituitary hormone secretion in vitro.

Dehydroabietic acid (DHA or DAA), a diterpene, is obtained from Commiphora oppbalsamum. DHA has potential as treatment for obesity and metabolic syndrome, obese diabetic KK-Ay mice treated with DHA showed decreased plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels. It has been reported that DHA inhibits the production of proinfammatory mediators such as TNF-α in macrophages and adipocytes and causes endothelium-dependent relaxation of pulmonary artery via PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. Also was shown, that DHA could reverse several cell responses stimulated by TNF-α, including the activation of FOXO1 and the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Thus, DAA could be useful in improving the diabetic wound healing.

The ALOIN A (barbaloin) is considered to be the most specific secondary phytoconstituent in Aloe species, widely distributed throughout the world. Barbaloin has been found to have a strong inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells. Orally administered barbaloin is poorly absorbed but is metabolized by intestinal microflora to aloe emodin, which is readily absorbed. Barbaloin is the main medicinal constituent of aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, it has strong anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties. For example, barbaloin inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. Barbaloin demonstrated a cardioprotective potential: barbaloin pretreatment attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Plus, it might be used as an antiarrhythmic drug.