Sesamol Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors of Arachidonic Acid Formation

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel class of inhibitor of arachidonic acid useful for treating inflammatory conditions. Specifically, the invention relates to hydrophobic and hydrophilic derivatives of sesamol that confer lower toxicity and increased circulatory lifetimes than pure sesamol.

1 . A method for inhibiting the formation of arachidonic acid in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a composition comprising a non-toxic derivative of sesamol. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-toxic derivative comprises at least one fatty acid. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the at least one fatty acid comprises 2 to 22 carbon atoms. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the degree of unsaturation of the at least one fatty acid ranges from 0 to 6. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the at least one fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, and 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the non-toxic derivative comprises sesamol oleate. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the non-toxic derivative comprises a carboxylic acid derivative of polyethylene oxide. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the carboxylic acid derivative of polyethylene oxide comprises 2 to 400 repeating units. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition is prepared as a nutritional supplement in a form selected from the group consisting of a capsule, a bar, a tablet, a powder, and a beverage package. 
   
   
       10 . A method for moderating an inflammatory response in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a composition comprising a non-toxic derivative of sesamol. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the administering step is carried out enternally or parenternally. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the composition is prepared as a nutritional supplement in a form selected from the group consisting of a capsule, a bar, a tablet, a powder, and a beverage package.