Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Synopsis
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are a class of bioactive lipid compounds that play a key role in actively resolving inflammation, rather than merely suppressing it. Derived enzymatically from omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)—SPMs include four main families: resolvins, protectins, maresins, and lipoxins (the latter also derived from omega-6 fatty acids).
Unlike anti-inflammatory agents that blunt inflammation, SPMs orchestrate the resolution phase of the inflammatory process by promoting the clearance of cellular debris, restoring tissue homeostasis, reducing excessive neutrophil activity, and enhancing macrophage function. They do this without impairing host defense, making them particularly attractive in situations of chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, metabolic disease, and recovery from infection or injury.
SPMs are now used in nutritional and clinical settings as specialized lipid mediators in supplement form, often derived from fractionated fish oil or concentrated omega-3 extracts. Clinical applications include support for joint health, cardiovascular repair, post-exercise inflammation, neuroinflammation, and immune modulation. Emerging research also points to roles in pain resolution, wound healing, and mood regulation.
SPM supplements differ from standard omega-3 products because they provide pre-formed pro-resolving compounds, bypassing the body’s often rate-limited conversion of omega-3s into SPMs—an especially important factor in individuals with chronic inflammatory states, aging, or impaired metabolic function.
Historical Use:
While SPMs themselves were not identified until the early 2000s—largely through the work of Dr. Charles Serhan and colleagues at Harvard Medical School—the therapeutic concept of “resolving inflammation” naturally is deeply rooted in traditional medicine. Ancient systems like Ayurveda, TCM, and Indigenous healing emphasized restoring balance rather than suppressing symptoms, using herbs, oils, and diets rich in fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents.
The long-standing use of fish oils in Nordic and coastal cultures, as well as the traditional use of omega-3–rich marine foods in Inuit, Japanese, and Mediterranean diets, aligns with modern SPM science. These populations historically exhibited lower levels of chronic inflammatory diseases, which are now understood to be partly due to the pro-resolving actions of omega-3 metabolites.
Modern identification of SPMs represents a scientific bridge between traditional knowledge of inflammation recovery and cutting-edge molecular biochemistry. SPMs now represent a targeted and physiological approach to inflammatory conditions, supporting natural resolution pathways rather than simply masking inflammation, as many pharmaceuticals do.
Uses: Health Conditions
Abdominal Pain (Neither)
Acne (Neither)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Bronchitis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Neither)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Neither)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Neither)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Edema (Scientific)
Emphysema (Neither)
Endometriosis (Scientific)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Neither)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Glaucoma (Neither)
Gout (Neither)
Hashimoto's Disease (Neither)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Macular Degeneration (Neither)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Menopause (Neither)
Migraine (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Nephritis (Neither)
Nerve Damage (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Pancreatitis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Radiation Sickness (Neither)
Body Systems
Immune System (Science)
Joints (Science)
Lymphatics (Science)
Muscles (Science)
Nerves (Science)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)