β-Zearalenol is a nonsteroidal estrogen of the resorcylic acid lactone group related to mycoestrogens found in Fusarium spp. β-Zearalenol is the β epimer of α-zearalenol and along with α-zearalenol is a major metabolite of zearalenone formed mainly in the liver but also to a lesser extent in the intestines during the first-pass metabolism. β-Zearalenol is about the same or slightly less potent as an estrogen relative to zearalenone. Contamination of grains by Fusarium species, notably maize, gives rise to high levels of zearalenol and is regarded as an important food quality issue for both human and animal health.

Norharman or beta-carboline (9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole) is a neuroactive alkaloid first isolated from Peganum harmala L. It is implicated in a number of human diseases including Parkinson's disease, tremor, addiction and cancer. Norharman formed endogenously but external sources have been identified (among others fried meat and fish, meat extracts, alcoholic drinks, coffee brews, tobacco smoke). It inhibits monoamine oxidase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. In addition norharman binds with high affinity to imidazoline I2B receptors. Plasma norharman levels are elevated in chronic alcoholics and Parkinson's disease patients.

Alpha-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables. Higher serum concentrations of α-carotene have been associated with lower risk of cancer and all-cause mortality. It was suggested that genetic variants influence serum concentrations of provitamin A. Recently was found, that α-carotene effectively inhibits Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) metastasis and suppresses lung metastasis in combination with taxol in LLC-bearing mice, suggesting that Alpha-carotene could be used as an anti-metastatic agent or as an adjuvant for anti-cancer drugs.

Beta-carotene is found in many foods and is sold as a dietary supplement. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, weak antioxidant; precursor of vitamin A, which is essential for vision and growth. Used to reduce the severity of photosensitivity reactions in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Has been used in high-dose antioxidant supplements containing ascorbic acid and vitamin E with zinc in high-risk patients with age-related macular degeneration. Beta-carotene is also used to decrease asthma symptoms caused by exercise; to prevent certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts; and to treat AIDS, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders including psoriasis and vitiligo.