Inflammation research
This hub covers compounds researched for effects on inflammatory signalling, cytokine release and inflammatory pain. Several have randomized human trials, while others have been studied only in cells or animal models.
Approved or human trial evidence
VIPHuman trial evidence · InvestigationalEndogenous neuropeptide described as anti-inflammatory; its synthetic form aviptadil did not meet its primary endpoint in the ACTIV-3b/TESICO trial in COVID-19 respiratory failure.
PEAHuman trial evidence · Not approved — research use onlyNot a peptide; its anti-inflammatory effects in mice depended on PPAR-alpha, and meta-analyses of randomized trials in chronic pain reported lower pain scores.
Limited human data
ARA-290Limited human data · InvestigationalIn LPS-activated macrophages, cibinetide's anti-inflammatory effects were reported to require CD131 and JAK2 and to act by inhibiting NF-kappaB p65.
LL-37Limited human data · Not approved — research use onlyCathelicidins have been reported in cell-based work to both increase and inhibit inflammatory responses; reviews caution that in vitro results need in vivo context.
NAD+Limited human data · Not approved — research use onlyNot a peptide; in 40 people with COPD, oral nicotinamide riboside lowered sputum interleukin-8 versus placebo at week 6, with plasma interleukin-6 unchanged.
ThymalinLimited human data · Not approved — research use onlyIn LPS-stimulated human blood mononuclear cells from four donors, thymalin and two of its dipeptides were reported to reduce IL-1-beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha.
Animal and laboratory research
BronchogenPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn a rat model of nitrogen dioxide-induced chronic lung disease, Bronchogen was reported to reduce markers of neutrophilic inflammation.
KPVPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn human intestinal and T-cell lines KPV was reported to inhibit NF-kappaB and MAP kinase signalling, and it reduced histological inflammation in mouse colitis.
VilonPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn differentiated human THP-1 monocytes, Vilon was one of five peptides reported to reduce LPS-stimulated TNF and IL-6 expression.
ChonlutenMechanistic only · Not approved — research use onlyIn differentiated THP-1 cells, Chonluten reduced LPS-stimulated TNF and IL-6 expression and, unlike four other peptides tested, clearly increased apoptosis.
Not yet graded
Comparisons in this area
Guides
Questions people ask
Which anti-inflammatory compounds in the library have randomized human trials?
PEA has the largest randomized literature, with a systematic review of 47 trials and pain meta-analyses. Aviptadil (synthetic VIP) was negative in a phase 3 COVID-19 trial, and nicotinamide riboside, an NAD+ precursor, lowered sputum interleukin-8 in a 40-person COPD trial.
Has KPV been tested in humans for gut inflammation?
No human clinical trial of KPV was identified. Its findings come from mouse colitis models and human intestinal and T-cell lines, where it was reported to inhibit NF-kappaB and MAP kinase signalling.
Is PEA a peptide?
No. Palmitoylethanolamide is the amide of palmitic acid and ethanolamine, a lipid mediator. Its anti-inflammatory effects in mice depended on the nuclear receptor PPAR-alpha, and in the US it is sold as a dietary supplement rather than an approved drug.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Listing a compound under a research goal describes published research in the stated model. It is not a claim that the compound works, and it is not medical advice.