3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is a neuronal metabolite of dopamine (DA). DA undergoes monoamine oxidase-catalyzed oxidative deamination to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), which is metabolized primarily to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) via aldehyde dehydrogenase, ALDH2. DOPAC exhibits the antiproliferative effect in colon cancer cells. In addition, DOPAC enhances not only the total ALDH activity but also the gene expression of ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and ALDH3A1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The pretreatment of DOPAC completely protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, thus DOPAC acts as a potential ALDH inducer to prevent the alcohol-induced abnormal reaction.

Abietic acid (AA), a diterpene produced by conifer species, such as grand fir and lodgepole pine, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and can be used as a wound-healing agent. Its treatment elevates cell migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells by the activation of ERK and p38 MAPKs. In addition was shown, that abietic acid could be used as an antimetastatic agent or as an adjuvant for anticancer therapy. AA acts as a PPARα/γ dual activator to inhibit age-related inflammation by suppressing NF-κB and the MAPK/AP-1 pathway and can be a useful agent for improving skin photoaging.

Thiosalicylic acid is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. It is used (in form of sodium salt) to relieve symptoms of acute gout, painful musculoskeletal conditions, osteoarthritis and rheumatic fever. The drug exerts its action by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Thiosalicylic acid usage is associated with the risk of contact dermatitis.