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 and allergic rhinitis and Osteoarthritis.

Examples of 5-LOX inhibitors include drugs, such as meclofenamate sodium and zileuton.

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, hyperforin and St John's wort.