Chronic & unresolved inflammation

Inflammation is a complex physiological and pathological activation of the immune system in response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, infections, or tissue trauma. The activation of acute inflammation is a necessary process required to keep the body in homeostasis.¹ The acute response which is beneficial to the host and should only last a short time (48–72 hours).^1-2  

Under optimal circumstances, the body can resolve acute inflammation by ‘switching’ the class of lipid mediator from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving. This starts with a shift of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism from pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins to specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).^3-4 Omega-3 derived SPMs, including resolvins, protectins and maresins, stimulate neutrophil apoptosis and switch the classic inflammatory macrophage phenotype toward a pro-resolving phenotype. In turn, this promotes efferocytosis for the clearance of debris and the return to tissue homeostasis.^3-4 

However, if the lipid mediator class switch fails, an excessive accumulation of pro-inflammatory cells and an impaired biosynthesis of SPMs will result. Unresolved inflammation leads to chronic inflammation and is a key driver of chronic disease.^1-2

This infographic details the various herbal and nutrients that help inhibit pain and inflammation, and how we can utilise them to assist the resolution process of chronic inflammation.