3'-Hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone is an active P. spinosa extract. It possesses anti-inflammatory activity and prevented injuries due to administration of acetic acid in the colon.

D-Isoleucine is a selective activator of Asc-1 antiporter, which enhances long-term potentiation at the hippocampal CA1-CA3 via release of endogenous D-serine.

2,3- Dehydrokievitone exhibits strong cytotoxic activity and induces apoptosis efficiently in cancer cells.