BACKGROUND: 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.

DESCRIPTION: 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.

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

ADVANTAGES:

• The compounds can be isolated from natural sources.
• Potent analogs can be easily and economically synthesized.
• The compounds dramatically reduce symptoms generally associated with inflammation such as redness, swelling and pain.