Researchers developed a test using pig skin to measure how ingredients affect inflammation pathways, specifically looking at COX-2 and PGE-2 (inflammatory markers). They tested both conventional anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and natural products like fish oil and pomegranate extract—all showed measurable effects on reducing these inflammatory signals when applied topically.

Scientists used freshly excised pig skin in lab conditions to test how topical ingredients penetrate and affect inflammatory molecules. They measured changes in COX-2 and prostaglandin levels using standard lab techniques like enzyme assays and mass spectrometry.

Funding not disclosed in abstract