Crustecdysone (Hydroxyecdysone) is a steroid hormone that regulates the processes of molting or ecdysis in insects.

2-O-Acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone is an ecdysone present in insects and terrestrial plants. 2-O-Acetyl-20-hydroxyecdysone inhibits amyloid-β42-induced cytotoxicity and is able to reduce the formation of Aβ oligomers by promoting fibrillogenesis, which converts Aβ oligomers into less toxic fibers.

3-O-Acetyl-20-Hydroxyecdysone, a steroid extracted from the roots of Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B.Clark, is characterized by its unique structural modifications.

Ecdysone is a major steroid hormone in insects and herbs. Ecdysone triggers mineralocorticoid receptor activation and induces cellular apoptosis. Ecdysone signaling through Ecdysone receptor isoform B1 is required cell autonomously for the muscle death.

Due to the multi-drug resistance reversal activity of the less polar ecdysteroids, several new products( including 20-hydroxyecdysone,20-hydroxyecdysone 2,3;20,22-diacetonide) are promising for being tested against various cancer cell lines.

Turkesterone is a phytoecdysteroid possessing an 11alpha-hydroxyl group, also is an analogue of the insect steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. It has immunomodulating and antistress activity, can increase the adaptation capacity of mice under immobilization-induced stress conditions.