Periplocin is a cardiotonic steroid isolated from Periploca forrestii. Periplocin promotes tumor cell apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth. Periplocin has the potential to facilitate wound healing through the activation of Src/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways mediated by Na/K-ATPase .

Periplocymarin, a cardiac glycoside, has potential anti-cancer activity.