Piericidin A (also named piericidin A1 in some references) was reported as a new insecticidal metabolite, produced by cultures of the soil-derived actinomycete Streptomyces mobaraensis. Piericidin A resembles coenzyme Q in its overall structure containing a pyridine ring with two adjacent methoxy groups. The most widely recognized biological target of Piericidin A is the mitochondrial electron transport chain protein NADH-ubiquinone reductase (Complex I). Respiratory inhibition by piericidin A can be reversed by the addition of vitamin-K3 (menadione) to the inhibited respiratory chain in mammalian mitochondria. Piericidin A increases ROS production. Piericidin A showed significant cytotoxic activities against several tumor cells, such as mouse leukemia cell line, human colon carcinoma cells and was selectively cytotoxic toward human multiple myeloma cells. Moreover, it was identified as a highly selective antitumor agent with greater selectivity and potency than the comparison standard mitomycin C. Piericidin A aggravates the course of genetically determined tau pathology.

Biochanin A, a natural organic compound derived from herbal plants such as peanuts, soy, and red clover, possesses various pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition, the compound has anticancer activity, which was shown in the following cells: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and in osteosarcoma. In both cases, biochanin A induced apoptotic signaling pathway. It has also been found biochanin-A was an inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

Ochratoxin A—a toxin produced by Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus carbonarius, and Penicillium verrucosum—is one of the most-abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins. It is also a frequent contaminant of water-damaged houses and of heating ducts. Human exposure can occur through consumption of contaminated food products, particularly contaminated grain and pork products, as well as coffee, wine grapes, and dried grapes. The toxin has been found in the tissues and organs of animals, including human blood and breast milk. Ochratoxin A, like most toxic substances, has large species- and sex-specific toxicological differences.