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.

5-Amino-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid is a glutamine derivative.

Ciwujianoside-B is the main component of Acanthopanax, can relieve fatigue, enhance memory, and improve human cognition.