Anti-inflammatory refers to the property of a substance that reduces inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory drugs make up one half of analgesics, remedying pain by reducing inflammation as opposed to opioids which affect the brain.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), alleviate pain by counteracting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. On its own COX enzyme synthesizes prostaglandins, creating inflammation. In whole the NSAIDs prevent the prostaglandins from ever being synthesized, reducing or eliminating the pain.

Anti-inflammatory substances include:

• Hyssop
• Ibuprofen

See also

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Corticosteroid