Abstract: The invention relates to the use of combinations of fatty acids and specific inhibitors of delta-5 desaturase activity in a nutritional supplement to modulate the inflammatory state of a mammal. The nutritional supplement is composed of various oils selected in combination to enhance the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids derived from omega 6 fatty acids while simultaneously decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids derived from omega 6 fatty acids. In one embodiment, the invention features a combination of a fish oil, an oil containing gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and a sesame oil extract rich in one or more lignans (such as sesamol and sesamin) that are specific inhibitors of delta-5 desaturase activity.

Abstract: A vehicle suitable for delivering a xenobiotic to a mammalian host to beneficially alter the pharmacodynamics (e.g., plasma kinetics, chemotherapeutic effectiveness, toxicity, oral absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism and the like) of the xenobiotic. The delivery vehicle is in the form of microreservoirs formed of a phospholipid constituent and a phospholipid-immiscible constituent. Xenobiotic binding agents and release agents may be added. Methods for preparing the microreservoirs containing the xenobiotic and for administering a xenobiotic to beneficially alter its pharmacodynamics are disclosed.