Anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID (for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), but this applies only to that specific class, not all anti-inflammatory agents[1][4][7].)

“Anti-inflammatory agent” refers generically to any compound capable of reducing inflammation. This includes several major drug classes—most notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes involved in prostaglandin production; steroidal agents like glucocorticoids that modulate immune responses at the genomic level; as well as various natural products with diverse mechanisms. Because “anti-inflammatory agent” does not specify a unique molecular entity but rather describes an action shared by many substances acting through different targets and pathways, it cannot be considered a canonical therapeutic target itself.[1][4]

Other names

Anti-inflammatoriesNSAIDs (when referring specifically to nonsteroidal drugs)COX inhibitors (for some classes)Steroidal anti-inflammatories (for corticosteroids)

Varies depending on the specific drug: For NSAIDs: Reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and/or COX‑2, leading to decreased prostaglandin synthesis and thus reduced inflammation. For corticosteroids: Modulation of gene expression via glucocorticoid receptors resulting in broad suppression of inflammatory pathways. Natural products may act through antioxidant effects or other mechanisms[2].