Cell permeable potent inhibitor of protein kinase C. Does not inhibit tyrosine protein kinases, cAMP-dependent protein kinase or calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor compound. Apoptosis inducer in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Activates MAPK and JUNK signaling pathways. Affects translocation of PKC from cytosol to plasma membrane. Neurite outgrowth stimulator. Inhibits binding of BclXL to Bak (IC50 = 1.5 µM) or Bad proteins and stimulates apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. Blocks human P2X7 receptor. Induces cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.