Potent agonist of the nociceptin (ORL1) receptor, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Selective, competitive antagonism at the nociceptin receptor has also been reported (pA2 = 7.02 and 6.75 in the guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens respectively).

Bis(3-aminopropyl)amine is a structural homologue of the natural polyamine spermidine with antitumor activity that may make it useful as a antineoplastic agent.

Sanggenol L shows higher cytotoxicity against human oral tumor cell lines (HSC-2 and HSG) than against normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), it induces apoptosis via caspase activation and inhibition of NF-κB/IκBα± phosphorylation as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancers.