A well-established inhibitor of the NADP+-dependent enzyme, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (Ki = 0.46 μM) which interferes with glycolysis; through ATP depletion, synergizes with chemotherapy drugs, like cisplatin, in killing cancer cells (IC50 = 0.5 mM); reduces cardiovascular oxidative injury following ischemia/reperfusion; causes glial neurodegeneration.