The monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) is a naturally occurring compound derived from citrus fruits, mint, and herbs. It exhibited chemotherapeutic potential against various malignant tumors in preclinical models and was being tested in clinical trials in patients with refractory advanced cancers. POH was formulated in soft gelatine capsules and orally administered to cancer patients several times a day on a continuous basis. However, such clinical trials in humans yielded disappointing results, also because of the large number of capsules that had to be swallowed caused hard-to-tolerate intestinal side effects, causing many patients to withdraw from treatment due to unrelenting nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. The clinical trials in Brazil have explored intranasal POH delivery as an alternative to circumvent the toxic limitations of oral administration. In these trials, patients with recurrent malignant gliomas were given comparatively small doses of POH via simple inhalation through the nose. Results from these studies showed, that this type of long-term, daily chemotherapy was well tolerated and effective. The precise mechanism of action is still undetermined, but it is known, that perillyl alcohol plays an important role in the process of hepatoma cell invasion and migration via decreasing the activity of Notch signaling pathway and increasing E-cadherin expression regulated by Snail. Another possible mechanism is included inhibition of Na/K-ATPase (NKA). The NKA α1 subunit is known to be superexpresses in glioblastoma cells (GBM) and POH acts in signaling cascades associated with NKA can control cell proliferation and/or cellular death.

Benzyl butyl phthalate is used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride in vinyl floor tiles, vinyl foam and carpet backing, in cellulosic resins, and as an organic intermediate. It has also been used as a solvent and fixative in perfume. It is a colorless and odorless organic chemical. Exposure to benzyl butyl phthalate occurs during its production and use as a plasticizer, mainly in polyvinyl chloride products. It has been detected at low levels in indoor air, water, and a few foods. Benzyl butyl phthalate is classified as a substance toxic to reproduction. It demonstrated estrogen and anti-androgen activity. Prenatal exposure to phthalates could lead to smaller penis size and incomplete descent of testicles in baby boys.