Anandamide, an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, acts as a ligand of the cannabinoid receptors. It possesses anti-proliferative effect which was accompanied by a reduction of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Anandamide also possesses the positive effects on eating behavior and motivation in mice. Recently was discovered, that anandamide reduced cryocapacitation and improved post-thaw sperm quality in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

CGS -21680 is an adenosine A2 receptor agonist with IC50 of 22 nM, exhibits 140-fold over A1 receptor. In an isolated perfused working rat heart model, CGS -21680 effectively increases coronary flow with an ED25 value of 1.8 nM. CGS-21680 binds adenosine A2 receptor with high affinity (Kd = 15.5 nM). Novartis originated CGS- 21680 in Switzerland and discontinued its development later.

Saikosaponin D is a triterpene saponin found in Bupleurum that exhibits antioxidative, immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, anticancer, and chemopreventive activities. Saikosaponin D increases activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreases activity of malondialdehyde in cellular models of oxidative damage. In other in vitro models, saikosaponin D increases secretion of IL-12, maturation of dendritic cells, and proliferation of lymphocytes. Saikosaponin D inhibits SERCA, increasing intracellular Ca2+ and inducing autophagy. In vivo, this compound decreases severity of fibrosis. In embryos, saikosaponin D decreases microvessel formation. Additionally, this compound decreases tumor formation in DEN-treated animal models and suppresses expression of CEBP-β and COX-2. Saikosaponin D also induces apoptosis and activation of caspases 3 and 7 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Saikosaponin D is a Glucocorticoid receptor agonist. It is a COX-2 and iNOS inhibitor.

Morphiceptin (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro-NH2), an amide of a fragment of the milk protein beta-casein, is a selective ligand of the mu opioid receptor, an important target in pain regulation. Now is used the analogs of morphiceptin, which are studied for the treatment of different diseases.

Nomilin is a limonoid/triterpenoid found in citrus fruits that exhibits anti-parasitic, antiviral, anticancer, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and antiviral activities. Nomilin prevents growth of Aedes and suppresses replication of HIV-1 by inhibiting HIV-1 protease. In animal models, nomilin induces phase II enzymes by increasing expression of glutathione-S-transferase and NADPH:Quinone reductase. In animals fed high fat diets, nomilin activates GR5, increases glucose tolerance, and decreases body weight, glucose levels, and insulin levels. In vivo, nomilin increases white blood cell counts and antibody titers but suppresses delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. In vitro, this compound inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and capillary tube formation and decreases levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF, NO, and GM-CSF. Additionally, nomilin also inhibits aromatase and cellular proliferation in breast cancer cells. Nomilin also inhibits osteoclastogenesis in vitro by suppression of NFATc1 and MAPK signaling pathways. Nomilin inhibits tumor-specific angiogenesis by downregulating VEGF, NO and proinflammatory cytokine profile and also by inhibiting the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.