Mimosine or leucenol is an alkaloid, beta-3-hydroxy-4 pyridone amino acid. Mimosine is an effective inhibitor of DNA replication in mammalian cells. It blocks entry into S phase (late G1 phase), and suppress elongation of DNA replication (S phase). The chelation of iron seems to be one of the main modes of action of mimosine for cell cycle arrest. As an iron-chelating and cell cycle stopping agent, mimosine was tested in preclinical models of cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and iron overload.

A DNA stain used as a tracking dye in acid buffers for electrophoresis. Methyl Green was used as a topical antiseptic, however, it was withdrawn due to unwanted effects. The traditional Methyl Green has not manufactured for decades. The dye sold as Methyl Green is more accurately described as Ethyl Green. Both, Methyl Green and Ethyl Green are sold as double zinc salts.