Isodeoxyelephantopin exerts antitumor effects on several cancer cells by inducing apoptosis , cell cycle arrest , and inhibiting proliferation. It enhances apoptosis and inhibit invasion and osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and NF-kappaB-regulated gene expression.

Ipecoside is a member of acetamides, a beta-D-glucoside, an isoquinoline alkaloid, an isoquinolinol, a methyl ester, a terpene glycoside and an olefinic compound. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is functionally related to an ipecoside aglycone.

Emetine hydrochloride and dehydroemetine combined with chloroquine in the treatment of children with amoebic liver abscess.