Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors are compounds that slow or stop the action of the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (5-lipoxygenase or 5-LOX) enzyme, which is responsible for the production of inflammatory leukotrienes. The overproduction of leukotrienes is a major cause of inflammation in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and osteoarthritis.^[1][2]

Examples of 5-LOX inhibitors include the pharmaceutical drugs meclofenamate sodium, zileuton^[3][4] and the natural products myxochelins/pseudochelin^[5][6] as well as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).^[7]

Some chemicals found in trace amounts in food, as well as some dietary supplements, have been shown to inhibit 5-LOX; these include baicalein, caffeic acid, curcumin,^[3] hyperforin and St John's wort.^[8][9][10]

Acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), one of the bioactive boswellic acids found in Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense) has been found to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase strongly as an allosteric inhibitor.^[7] Boswellia administration has been shown to reduce brain edema in patients irradiated for brain tumor and it is believed to be due to 5-lipoxygenase inhibition.^[11][12]

See also

• Antileukotriene agents
• Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase ALOX5-inhibiting drugs