Natural inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor-alpha production, secretion and function

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), originally discovered by its antitumor activity, is one of the most pleotropic cytokines acting as a host defence factor in immunologic and inflammatory responses. Although the antitumour a ctivity and mediation of inflammation by TNF could be beneficial to the hos t, unregulated TNF is now known to be the basis for development of various diseases including septic shock, the wasting disease, cachexia, and various inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases. With an attempt to find potential therapeutic agents for TNF-mediated diseases, research during the last dec ade has led in the identification of well over one hundred natural inhibito rs of either TNF production/secretion or function. This review summarises t he structures, mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of these natur al products.