--- title: "Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of…" description: "Photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation by influencing cellular processes like energy production, antioxidant…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html" type: "study" study_key: "pbm" journal: "AIMS Biophysics" year: 2017 pmid: "28748217" doi: "10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory… **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/pbm ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | AIMS Biophysics | | Year | 2017 | | PMID | [28748217](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/) | | DOI | [10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337](https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337) | | Study key | pbm | ## Takeaway Photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation by influencing cellular processes like energy production, antioxidant defenses, and gene expression. ## The question What are the mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation (PBM)? ## Hypothesis The abstract does not explicitly state a hypothesis, but rather reviews the known mechanisms and applications of PBM's anti-inflammatory effects. ## Methods This is a review article summarizing existing research on the mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation (PBM). It discusses primary, secondary, and tertiary effects of light absorption, as well as observed outcomes in various cell types and animal models. ## Results PBM's primary chromophores are cytochrome c oxidase and calcium ion channels. Secondary effects include increased ATP, a brief burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased nitric oxide, and modulated calcium levels. Tertiary effects involve activation of transcription factors, leading to improved cell survival, proliferation, migration, and new protein synthesis. PBM exhibits a biphasic dose response, with low light levels stimulating and high levels inhibiting. PBM can produce ROS in normal cells but lowers ROS in oxidatively stressed cells and disease models, up-regulating anti-oxidant defenses. It activates NF-kB in normal cells but decreases inflammatory markers in activated inflammatory cells. PBM reduces inflammation in joints, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and the brain, and has been shown to reduce M1 phenotype markers in activated macrophages, as well as reactive nitrogen species and prostaglandins in animal models. ## Conclusion Photobiomodulation (PBM) effectively reduces inflammation through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of mitochondrial activity, calcium levels, reactive oxygen species, and transcription factors. Its anti-inflammatory effects are reproducible across various tissues and disease models, making it a promising therapeutic approach for inflammatory disorders. ## Limitations The abstract does not explicitly state limitations of the research reviewed or PBM itself, as it is a summary of known mechanisms and applications. ## Verbatim from the abstract > Photobiomodulation is the use of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation; the primary chromophore has been identified as cytochrome c oxidase. ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Contrast Therapy Systems (Sauna + Cold + Light) | — | — | | Photobiomodulation (Red & Near-Infrared Light) | — | — | | Red-Light Skin Therapy | — | — | ## Reference 1. **Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.** AIMS Biophysics 2017 · [PMID 28748217](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/) · [DOI 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337](https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337) > Photobiomodulation is the use of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation; the primary chromophore has been identified as cytochrome c oxidase. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html","name":"Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.","description":"Photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation by influencing cellular processes like energy production, antioxidant…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory…","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/pbm.html#study","name":"Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.","headline":"Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.","datePublished":"2017","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"AIMS Biophysics"},"identifier":"PMID:28748217","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337","abstract":"Photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation by influencing cellular processes like energy production, antioxidant defenses, and gene expression."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/sauna.md) - [The effects of cold water immersion and active recovery on inflammation and cell stress…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/cold.md) - [Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/x14.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).