Deltonin may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent against neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it can induce both apoptosis and autophagy in head and neck squamous carcinoma FaDu cell; it also induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and ERK/AKT signaling pathways. Deltonin inhibits angiogenesis by regulating VEGFR2 and subsequent signaling pathways in endothelial cells.Deltonin also exhibits induction effect on platelet aggregation.

Cyclanoline is a charged berberine alkaloid obtained by N-methylation of (S)-scoulerine. It has a role as an EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor and a plant metabolite. It is a berberine alkaloid and a quaternary ammonium ion. It is functionally related to a (S)-scoulerine.