Hydrocortisone is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. Topical hydrocortisone is used for its anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive properties to treat inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Hydrocortisone binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes. The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Specifically glucocorticoids induce lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which then binds to cell membranes preventing the phospholipase A2 from coming into contact with its substrate arachidonic acid. This leads to diminished eicosanoid production. The cyclooxygenase (both COX-1 and COX-2) expression is also suppressed, potentiating the effect. In other words, the two main products in inflammation Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes are inhibited by the action of Glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids also stimulate the lipocortin-1 escaping to the extracellular space, where it binds to the leukocyte membrane receptors and inhibits various inflammatory events: epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and the release of various inflammatory mediators (lysosomal enzymes, cytokines, tissue plasminogen activator, chemokines etc.) from neutrophils, macrophages and mastocytes. Additionally the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding. For the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Also used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders (adrenal insufficiency, Addisons disease). Hydrocortisone is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

Bornyl valerate (aka Bornyl Pentanoate) is indexed by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA) and categorized as a spice. There has been little or no interest in studying the biological and pharmacological application of Bornyl valerate.

Valeric acid is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant odor. It is highly corrosive and must be handled with care. Valeric acid is mainly used as a chemical intermediate to manufacture flavors and perfumes, synthetic lubricants, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a flavoring aid in foods. Valeric acid is considered safe as a food additive by the World Health Organization.

Ethyl valerate is a substance responsible for green apple flavor. It has various applications in the food and cosmetic industry.

Testosterone valerate, or testosterone pentanoate, is a synthetic, steroidal androgen. It is a short-to-medium duration C17β valerate ester of testosterone, with a terminal half-life of approximately twice that of the short-acting testosterone propionate. Testosterone valerate is available exclusively as a component of the veterinary drug Deposterona developed by Syntex Animal Health Company, which is marketed in Mexico. Deposterona also contains testosterone acetate and testosterone undecanoate and is used to treat impotence, weakness, fatigue and hypogonadism in male breeding animals (cows, pigs, canines, sheep), as well as a general protein-sparing anabolic. It is administered via intramuscular injection and acts as a long-lasting prodrug of testosterone. Esterified forms of testosterone are designed to prolong the window of therapeutic effect following administration, allowing for less frequent injection schedule compared to injections of unesterified steroid. Deposterona is also used for bodybuilding purposes in men and not recommended for women performance-enhancing purposes due to its strong androgenic nature, side effects, and slow-acting characteristics (making blood levels difficult to control). Deposterona is only known to be manufactured in Mexico. Because it contains a low concentration of steroid,this product is not in high demand, and not readily diverted for illicit sale.