DHMEQ racemate (DHM3EQ) and (-)-DHMEQ (DHM2EQ) inhibit TNF-a-induced NF-kB activation. (-)-DHMEQ is more effective and less toxic than DHMEQ racemate.

The anti-arthritis effect of (-)-DHMEQ (DHM2EQ) and DHMEQ racemate (DHM3EQ) on type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA1/J mice was studied. Because of its pathological similarity to human rheumatoid arthritis, this animal model is widely used to evaluate anti-rheumatic drugs. Cause arthritis and score it. (-)-DHMEQ significantly inhibited type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice, while DHMEQ racemates tended to only slightly inhibit it.