Andrographolide, a diterpenoid, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It can be isolated from various plants of the genus Andrographis, commonly known as 'creat'. Andrographolide has been tested for its anti-inflammatory effects in various stressful conditions, such as ischemia, pyrogenesis, arthritis, hepatic or neural toxicity, carcinoma, and oxidative stress. Apart from its anti-inflammatory effects, andrographolide also exhibits immunomodulatory effects by effectively enhancing cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The properties of andrographolide, such as its ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells and inhibition of DTH, its anti-oxidative and cytoprotective effect, and its ability to enhance CTLs and NK cell activation makes it a potent antiviral agent. Andrographolide inhibited the growth of human breast, prostate, and hepatoma tumors. Andrographolide could be a potent anticancer agent when used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Duvoglustat, an alkaloid azasugar or iminosugar, is a biologically active natural compound that exists in mulberry leaves and Commelina communis (dayflower) as well as from several bacterial strains such as Bacillus and Streptomyces species. Duvoglustat is an investigational pharmacological chaperone for the treatment of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency, which leads to the lysosomal storage disorder Pompe disease, which is characterized by progressive accumulation of lysosomal glycogen primarily in heart and skeletal muscles. Duvoglustat possesses antihyperglycemic, anti-obesity, and antiviral features. Most importantly, pre-meal intake of duvoglustat in therapeutic concentration has resulted in the inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Thus, duvoglustat seems to be a potential treatment for checking or setting back the inception of diabetes. No duvoglustat-related adverse events or drug-related tolerability issues were identified in phase II clinical trial for the treatment of Pompe disease.

Demethoxycurcumin is a derivative or curcumin and represents one of the major active components of curcumin products isolated from Curcumae sp. In preclinical models, Demethoxycurcumin inhibits LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, and expression of iNOS and COX2 in RAW264.7 cells by blocking NF-kB activation. Demethoxycurcumin also inhibits NF-kB dependent iNOS, TNFα and IL-1β expression in LPS-treated rat microglial cells. Demethoxycurcumin suppresses the expression of MMPs and ICAM-1 in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by inhibition of NF-kB. Demethoxycurcumin is currently in Phase I clinical trials.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a minor constituent (approximately 3%) of curcuminoids that has been shown to be more stable than the other two main curcuminoids, that is, curcumin and desmethoxycurcumin. Bisdemethoxycurcumin inhibits the proliferation and survival of several types of tumor cells including colon cancer cells, breast cancer cells, leukemia cells, and glioma cells. In addition, Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses cancer invasion and has the highest anti-metastatic potency in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells among the three curcuminoids. Bisdemethoxycurcumin has been reported to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory action of Bisdemethoxycurcumin on tumor invasion and migration have remained largely unknown. More interestingly, the anti-cancer effects of Bisdemethoxycurcumin are comparable to and sometimes more potent than those of curcumin in different conditions.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a common phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables, and its condensation product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) exert several biological activities on cellular and molecular levels, which contribute to their well-recognized chemoprevention potential. ndole-3-carbinol is used for prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer, and other types of cancer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reviewed indole-3-carbinol as a possible cancer preventive agent and is now sponsoring clinical research for breast cancer prevention. Indole-3-carbinol is also used for fibromyalgia, tumors inside the voice box (laryngeal papillomatosis) caused by a virus, tumors inside the respiratory tract (respiratory papillomatosis) caused by a virus, abnormal cell growth in the cervix (cervical dysplasia), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Indole-3-carbinol scavenges free radicals and induces various hepatic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Specifically, this agent induces the hepatic monooxygenase cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1), resulting in increased 2-hydroxylation of estrogens and increased production of the chemoprotective estrogen 2-hydroxyestrone. Accumulating evidence indicates that the antitumor activity of indole-3- carbinol is attributable to its ability to interfere with multiple oncogenic signaling pathways governing cell cycle progression, survival, invasion, and other aggressive phenotypes of cancer cells. Reported signaling targets of indole-3- carbinol in various cancer cell lines include EGFR/Src, Akt/NF-B, stress responses, elastase, and Rho kinase. Moreover, indole-3-carbinol functions as a negative regulator of estrogen action in hormonesensitive cancer cells through the inhibition of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha signaling and/or induction of cytochrome P-450-mediated estrogen metabolism, suggesting its clinical use in hormone-sensitive cancers.

Tyramine is a naturally occurring monoamine compound and trace amine derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine occurs widely in plants and animals, and is metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Tyramine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist. Hypertension can occur, from ingestion of tyramine-rich foods in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The possibility that tyramine acts directly as a neurotransmitter was revealed by the discovery of a G protein-coupled receptor with high affinity for tyramine, called TAAR. It exhibits sympathomimetic effects by causing the release of endogenic norepinephrine. It has been used in mydriatic eyedrops. This has been said to reduce the intraocular pressure in rabbits and in some patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Deterenol is a beta-adrenoceptor agonist. It is an effective nonmydriatic and nonmiotic hypotensive agent, which can be used in antiglaucoma treatment.

Colforsin (NKH477) is a water-soluble forskolin derivative. NKH477, like forskolin, showed adenylate cyclase stimulant activity in guinea pig ventricular membrane but did not inhibit Na+, K(+)-ATPase or phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. The compound was developed by a Japanese company Nippon Kayaku. Colforsin daropate, a prodrug of colforsin, is marketed in Japan for the treatment of acute heart failure under tradename Adehl.

Canthaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid pigment and potent lipid-soluble antioxidant widely distributed in nature. Canthaxanthin has been found in edible mushrooms green algae, bacteria, crustaceans, and bioaccumulates in fish such as carp, golden mullet, seabream and trash wrasse. Canthaxanthin is used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) experienced by people who have a rare genetic disease called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In these people, sunlight can cause skin reactions such as rash, itch, and eczema. Canthaxanthin is also used to reduce sun sensitivity caused by certain medications. Some people also try it for relieving itching caused by sun exposure. Canthaxanthin is associated with E number E161g and is approved for use as a food coloring agent in different countries, including the United States and the EU; however, it is not approved for use in Australia and New Zealand. It is generally authorized for feed applications in at least the following countries: US, Canada, EU. In the EU, canthaxanthin is allowed by law to be added to trout feed, salmon feed, and poultry feed. The European Union limit is 80 mg/kg of feedstuffs, 8 mg/kg feed for egg-laying hens and 25 mg/kg in feed for other poultry and salmonids.