COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Inflammation is a highly homeostatic defense mechanism triggered by damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens, which result in a cascade of events involving the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and activation and differentiation of immune cells. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the inflammatory response ensures its coordinated fundamental protective role. However, a deregulated response results in chronic inflammation, which causes pathological states, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cancer. The pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and neutraceutical sectors are searching for natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity rather than synthetic ones. The invention concerns novel compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, methods of isolation, and methods of using the compounds as anti-inflammatory agents. The active compounds are natural products isolated from red algae of the genus Laurencia that can be used for treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with inflammation.