5-LOX Inhibitors
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Arachidonic Acid is responsible for the production of a pro-inflammatory series of leukotrienes through the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathway, and these leukotrienes along with the prostaglandins and thromboxanes from the cycloxygenase (COX) pathway play a major role in inflammation:
The Role of Leukotrienes in Inflammation
Inhibiting the 5-LOX pathway prevents the production of these pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and seems to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with inflammation and allergy.
As a warning, since leukotrienes are part of the immune response, inhibiting 5-LOX and the downstream leukotrienes could actually cause a decrease in immune functioning and an increase in parasitic burdens:
Leukotrienes play a role in the control of parasite burden in murine strongyloidiasis.
Inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis abrogates the host control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Here's another study discussing the feedback loop that exists between the downstream Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (LL-37):
Of course, there could be other explanations for this, but caution is warranted when using 5-LOX inhibitors, just as caution is warranted with COX inhibitors (including Aspirin).
Some 5-LOX inhibitors are:
Useful links:
