Topically Administered Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Safe and effective anti-inflammatory compounds which address the redness and swelling caused by certain ingredients in creams and lotions are in constant demand. In addition, creams and lotions that provide inflammation relief as their primary function are in great demand by the consumer to alleviate the effects of environmental pollutants.

Collaborating together, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and UC have isolated and characterized a class of bis(indole) alkaloid compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are produced by various species of deep-water sea sponges. Topical administration of the compounds in mice effectively inhibits both the immunogenic inflammatory effects of phorbol myristate acetate, and the neurogenic inflammatory effects of resiniferatoxin and capsaicin. The compounds are more effective than other known anti-inflammatories such as hydrocortisone, indomethacin and manoalide.

The compounds may be useful for treatment of inflammation and pain, in such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, anaphylactic reactions, inflammatory bowel disease, nephritis, conjunctivitis, inflammatory gum disease, migraine, metastic carcinoma, blood vessel inflammation, acute asthmatic attack, and inflammation of the lung due to chemical exposure. They may be useful for providing effective treatment for chemical, radiation or thermal burns and may promote wound healing.

The compounds can be used in topically applied anti-inflammatory creams and lotions for the skin.

INQUIRIES TO: Dr. Amy Wright - Division Director - wright@hboi.edu
REFERENCE: University of California (Cosmetics version Ð HB/S&S-15, 19, 21, 23 series)