ASARININ, (+)- ((+)-episesamin), an abundant lignan in sesame seed, has been identified as an active principle in an aqueous extract of Lindera obtusiloba (Japanese Spicebush) with a strong anti-inflammatory potential. (+)-episesamin (ES) is known to block the TNF-α-induced mitogenic VSMC response. Protective effect of (+)-episesamin against PDGF-BB-induced activation of vascular smooth muscle cells is mediated by induction of haem oxygenase-1 and inhibition of mitogenic signalling. ES interferes with inflammation-associated VSMC activation and subsequent decreased proliferation and migration due to anti-oxidative properties and impaired activation of NF-ĸB, known contributors to atherogenesis. These results suggest ES as a complemental treatment of VSMC specific vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. (+)-Episesamin inhibits adipogenesis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in 3T3-L1 (pre)adipocytes by sustained Wnt signaling, down-regulation of PPARγ and induction of iNOS. (+)-episesamin seems to be the active drug in the L. obtusiloba extract being responsible for the inhibition of adipogenesis and, thus, should be evaluated as a novel potential complementary treatment for obesity.

Menadione bisulfite is a water-soluble analog of Vitamin K3. Pharmacologic studies on menadione bisulfate indicad that its toxicity is relatively low. In man, doses approximately ten times as great as those generally recommended for therapeutic use, given daily for a period of one week. Redox cycling compounds, such as menadione, have the potential to effectively mitigate the toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides including parathion. Menadione bisulfite behaved as a competitive inhibitor of chicken muscle aldose reductase.

Menadione bisulfite is a water-soluble analog of Vitamin K3. Pharmacologic studies on menadione bisulfate indicad that its toxicity is relatively low. In man, doses approximately ten times as great as those generally recommended for therapeutic use, given daily for a period of one week. Redox cycling compounds, such as menadione, have the potential to effectively mitigate the toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides including parathion. Menadione bisulfite behaved as a competitive inhibitor of chicken muscle aldose reductase.