Cerivastatin (BAYCOL®) is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonate, a precursor of sterols, including cholesterol. The inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis by cerivastatin reduces the level of cholesterol in hepatic cells, which stimulates the synthesis of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, thereby increasing the uptake of cellular LDL particles. The end result of these biochemical processes is a reduction of the plasma cholesterol concentration. On August 8, 2001 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Bayer Pharmaceutical Division voluntarily withdrew BAYCOL® from the U.S. market, due to reports of fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe adverse reaction from this cholesterol-lowering (lipid-lowering) product. It has also been withdrawn from the Canadian market.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an 18-carbon omega-3 essential fatty acid, is the precursor of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore must be entirely acquired from exogenous sources. Evidence for the essentiality of ALA was first provided by a study showing that ALA supplementation reversed the abnormal neurologic signs observed in a 6-year-old girl who suffered from sensory loss and visual complications. Most of the ALA is catabolized via beta-oxidation for energy generation, and a small proportion of it undergoes conversion to produce another two potent members of omega-3 PUFA family: EPA and DHA. Delta 6 desaturase (D6D) enzyme is responsible the conversion of ALA to DHA. Although not conclusive, it was suggested, that the benefits associated with ALA seem to stem mainly from EPA and DHA, and as major consequence of ALA deficiency it appears that EPA and DHA are not adequately produced.

Maleic acid monosodium salt. Used in water soluble polymers preparation.

Sinapic acid is one of the most common hydroxycinnamic acids and is widespread in the plant kingdom. It has been identified in various fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, oilseed crops, some spices, and medicinal plants. Sinapic acid and its derivatives possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-anxiety activities.