3-hydroxybutyric acid is involved in the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Like the other ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone) levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate are raised in the blood and urine in ketosis. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a typical partial-degradation product of branched-chain amino acids (primarily valine) released from muscle for hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis.

Dihydroalpinumisoflavone is a natural product derived from the leaves and stems of Crotalaria madurensis.

Yakuchinone A is a natural product isolated from Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel. Yakuchinone-A has strong inhibitory effects on the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in vitro.