3-Aminocoumarin is the key intermediate for the metal complexes.

ASC-JM-17 is an activator of both Nrf1 and Nrf2 proteins. ASC-JM17 acts on Nrf1, Nrf2 and Hsf1 to increase the expression of proteasome subunits, antioxidant enzymes and molecular chaperones. ASC-JM17 ameliorates toxicity of the mutant androgen receptor (AR) responsible for SBMA in cell, fly and mouse models. Knockdown of the Drosophila Nrf1 and Nrf2 ortholog cap ‘n’ collar isoform-C, but not Hsf1, blocks the protective effect of ASC-JM17 on mutant AR-induced eye degeneration in flies.

Chicanine has anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages by down-regulating LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in IκBα±/MAPK/ERK signaling pathways.