chemical entity tempol 4-Hydroxy-TEMPO or TEMPOL, formally 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl, is a heterocyclic compound. Like the related TEMPO, it is used as a catalyst and chemical oxidant. [edit]Pharmaceutical Applications Likely at least partially due to its superoxide dismutase activity, TEMPOL shows radioprotective, life-prolonging properties in animal models, suggesting its potential usefulness for treatment of human diseases.[1] It is currently being studied in human subjects for prevention of radiation-induced alopecia.[2] This nitroxide antioxidant or its derivatives are also undergoing prospective clinical studies in several clinical conditions. In addition to radioprotection, these include high blood pressure[3][4] and macular degeneration[5]. A published patent[6] claims other clinical uses for TEMPOL and related compounds. These include treatment of fibrocystic disease of breast, menstrual cramps and their associated symptoms, migraine, hemorrhoids, neuropathic pain, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and peridontitis. The patent also claims treatment of the symptoms of influenza, herpes zoster and herpes simplex. [edit]References MESH:C001803 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempol