Glabridin is an isoflavane found in the root extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Glabridin is considered to be a phytoestrogen and has been associated with numerous biological properties ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-atherogenic effects, to the regulation of energy metabolism, but also including anti-tumorigenic, anti-nephritic, antibacterial and skin-whitening activities. A glabridin-enriched extract is widely used in a cosmetic formulation as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin whitening agent. Anti-inflammatory action of glabridin is linked to downregulation of NF-κB, AP-1 and MAPKS signaling. Glabridin-induced attenuation of atherosclerosis is related to a reduction in macrophages-associated oxidation of low-density lipoprotein.

Butylated hydroxytoluene, commonly known as BHT, is an organic compound that is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry as an antioxidant. BHT is a substituted derivative of phenol. BHT helps to prevent the formation of free radicals and oxidation. When used in food products, it delays oxidative rancidity of fats and oils, and prevents loss of activity of oil-soluble vitamins. It may be found in pharmaceutical gels, creams and liquid or gelatin capsules, tablets and other pharmaceutical dosage forms. The ability of oral BHT to lead to cancer is a controversial topic, but most food industries have replaced it with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). BHT was first used as an antioxidant food additive in 1954. BHT does have other commercial uses, as in animal feeds and in the manufacture of synthetic rubber and plastics, where it also acts as an antioxidant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deemed that BHT is safe enough when used in limited concentrations. It currently permits its use in concentrations of about 0.01% to 0.02% in most foods. As an emulsion stabilizer in shortening, it may be used in a somewhat higher concentration, 200 parts per million.

Ethoxyquin (EQ) has been used as an antioxidant in animal feed for many years, but pharmacological use of EQ has never been evaluated in humans despite that small amounts of EQ exist in certain food items. The level of this antioxidant in animal feeds should not be higher than 150 ppm (U.S. FDA permissions). Ethoxyquin is rapidly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals like rats and mice. Peak blood concentration of the compound is observed within 1 h. Distribution of EQ in animal body is similar when it is administered orally and intravenously. Small amounts of parent EQ were detected in liver, kidney, and adipose tissue and fish muscles. It is excreted predominantly as metabolites via urine. Ethoxyquin is also registered as an antioxidant to control scald (browning) in apples and pears. EQ-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. According to the studies on dogs and laboratory animals it was shown that ethoxyquin had little acute toxicity, except when it is administered parenterally. Values of LD50 for EQ are 1700 mg kg−1 bw (rats, oral gavage), 2000 mg kg−1 bw (rats, dermal treatment, 24 h), 900 mg kg−1 bw (mice, intraperitoneal administration), and 180 mg kg−1 bw (mice, intravenous administration).

Scientists at Parke-Davis first synthesized Pramiracetam (brand name Pramistar) in the late 1970’s. It was first tested with Alzheimer’s patients. Seeing mixed results, the company tried it with major depressive disorder and licensed it as an orphan drug to Menarini. Pramiracetam is a central nervous system stimulant and nootropic agent belonging to the racetam family of drugs. Pramistar is used for the treatment of concentration and memory disturbances caused by the degeneration of brain cells or to diseases of the blood vessels supplying the brain, conditions that arise both in elderly patients (aged over 65 years). By stimulating choline uptake, pramiracetam indirectly modulates the release of acetylcholine and stimulates increased activity in the hippocampus. Because this part of the brain is absolutely crucial to the memory function, the general stimulation that pramiracetam creates can improve both the formation of new memories and the retention of reference or long-term memories. The increased activity in the hippocampus also increases cerebral blood flow, which enhances alertness and improves cognitive abilities in general. Pramiracetam may have other mechanisms of action as well. Researchers have hypothesized that in addition to its action in the brain, pramiracetam acts outside the brain in peripheral sites that rely on the adrenal glands. Animal studies suggest that pramiracetam may also increase or restore brain membrane fluidity, which facilitates cell signaling. Unlike many other racetam class nootropics, pramiracetam does not appear to strongly alter either wakefulness or emotional states. This can be explained by pramiracetam’s very limited influence on the production and release of serotonin, GABA and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that have the greatest effect on mood and anxiety levels.

3-hydroxy-2-phenylcinchoninic acid (also known as oxycinchophen or earlier as HPC) was known as antidiuretic and has been specially found useful in cases of diabetes insipidus. Clinical studies of HPC revealed that this compound reduces water output in cases of diabetes insipidus, and this was reached not by direct action on the water reabsorbing element in the tubules of the kidney, but rather by the mediation of HPC on the pituitary system in the production of the antidiuretic hormone therein. The effect of HPC upon fever and arthritis on patients with rheumatic fever was dramatic. In addition, HPC cannot be considered as an antipyretic, but rather HPC should be considered as enhancing ins some way the output or activity of adrenal cortical hormones. HPC was shown rather toxic (toxic reaction were presented in 20 % of tested patients). That is why the development of this drug was stopped and is become study its derivatives.

Etebenecid is a uricosuric agent, lower uric acid levels in the body by increasing the elimination of uric acid by the kidneys, also inhibits penicillin tubular secretion. It is useful in the interval treatment of gout. As with other uricosuric drugs, etebenecid may provoke acute gouty attacks in the early stages of treatment, and colchicine should be given during the first 6 weeks of treatment. It caused dyspepsia and diarrhea less frequently than probenecid and sulphinpyrazone. Several patients reported drowsiness while taking etebenecid in the treatment of gout, but no other side-effects were noted. Etebenecid should be given with care to patients with a history of uric acid calculi or of renal colic.

Benzbromarone (INN) is a uricosuric agent and non-competitive inhibitor of xanthine oxidase used in the treatment of gout, especially when the first line treatment, allopurinol, fails or produces intolerable adverse effects. It is structurally related to the antiarrhythmic amiodarone. Benzbromarone was introduced in the 1970s and was viewed as having few associated serious adverse reactions. It was registered in about 20 countries throughout Asia, South America and Europe. In 2003, the drug was withdrawn by Sanofi-Synthélabo, after reports of serious hepatotoxicity, although it is still marketed in several countries by other drug companies. The withdrawal has greatly limited its availability around the world and increased difficulty in accessing it in other countries where it has never been available. Standard dosages of benzbromarone (100 mg/day) tend to produce greater hypouricaemic effects than standard doses of allopourinol (300 mg/day) or probenecid (1000 mg/day). Adverse effects associated with benzbromarone are relatively infrequent but potentially severe. Four cases of benzbromarone-induced hepatotoxicity were identified from primary literature, and eleven cases have been reported by Sanofi-Synthélabo but details are not available in the public domain. Only one of the four publicly published cases demonstrated a clear relationship between the drug and liver injury as demonstrated by rechallenge. The other three cases lacked incontrovertible evidence to support a diagnosis of benzbromarone-induced hepatotoxicity. If all the reported cases are assumed to be due to benzbromarone, the estimated risk of hepatotoxicity in Europe was approximately 1 in 17 000 patients but may be higher in Japan. Benzbromarone is a very potent inhibitor of CYP2C9. The mechanism of benzbromarone hepatotoxicity is believed to be due to its hepatic metabolism by CYP2C9 and possible effects of the parent compound or its metabolites on mitochondrial function. Benzbromarone is a benzofuran and shares structural similarities with benzarone and amiodarone, all three of which affect mitochondrial function.

Propentofylline is a selective inhibitor of adenosine transport and phosphodiesterase. For several years it has been well established in the geriatric therapy of the dog improving hemodynamics in cerebral and peripheral compartments. In human medicine clinical development of this pharmaceutical has already entered an advanced stage for the long-term therapy of patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. In the brains of senile dogs and in human patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease comparable neuropathological findings can be made. In experimental models of vascular dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease it improves cognitive functions, inhibits inflammatory processes as well as excessive activation of microglia, formation of free radicals, cytocines and abnormal amyloid precursor proteins (APP). It stimulates synthesis and liberation of nerve growth factor (NGF) and reduces ischemic damage to the brain. In clinical studies in humans it improved cognitive functions as well as global functions and the ability to cope with tasks of routine daily life in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Possible mechanisms of action include a direct glial modulation to decrease a reactive phenotype, decrease glial production and release of damaging proinflammatory factors, and enhancement of astrocyte-mediated glutamate clearance. Net effects of propentofylline in vivo will be dependent on the concentrations of propentofylline and adenosine available and on the subtypes of adenosine receptors, phosphodiesterases, and nucleoside transporters present. In March, 2000 Aventis Pharma, announced that was discontinuing development of propentofylline as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The decision was a result of the company's portfolio review process which is intended to ensure that resources are devoted only to projects with a high potential for success.

S-Adenosylmethionine (often referred to as SAMe) is a methyl donor and a cofactor for enzyme-catalyzed methylations, including catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT). Although present in all cells, it is concentrated in liver where 85% of all methylation reactions occur. SAM is anti-apoptotic in normal hepatocytes and normal colon epithelial cells but pro-apoptotic in liver human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HepG2 cells and colon cancer cells. Because of structural instability, stable salt forms of SAM are required for its use as an oral drug. The commonly used salts: tosylate, butanedisulfonate, disulfate tosylate, disulfate ditosylate, and disulfate monotosylate. SAMe has been marketed in some European countries since the mid-1980s for the treatment of depression and for other medical conditions such as osteoarthritis (joint disease that causes joint pain and stiffness), fibromyalgia (widespread pain and stiffness). In addition, it is used to treat liver disease and migraine headaches. However, it is not formally approved in the UK for the treatment of depression, and in the USA, it is classified only as a dietary supplement. Some research suggests that it is more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate depression and is just as effective as antidepressant medications without the side effects (headaches, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction). In addition, antidepressants tend to take 6 to 8 weeks to begin working, while It seems to begin more quickly. Researchers are not sure how SAMe works to relieve depression. But they speculate it might increase the amount of serotonin in the brain just as some antidepressants do. Many studies have examined injectable forms of SAMe, not oral supplements.

Tribenoside, a glucofuranoside derivative has been shown to have potent anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been reported to display a pluripotent antagonistic action against histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and other inflammatory substances. Tribenoside decrease capillary permeability, thus reducing edema. Tribenoside combat the pathological processes of capillaries and veins. It is used in adults and adolescents for treatment of venous circulation diseases. Although Tribenoside is derived from a sugar substance, it doesn’t affect the carbohydrate metabolism even in diabetics. Tribenoside might cause some side effects such as skin redness, headache. Very rare cases are: systemic anaphylaxis, including urticaria, angioedema.