A means and method for increasing or inhibiting the secretion of cytokines using gallotannins and ellagitannins is described. The preferred cytokine release inhibiting compounds are dimeric gallotannins having a linker molecule that misaligns the carbohydrate cores of the compounds. The preferred cytokine release promoting gallotannins and ellagitannins include a diaryl ether linker unit. In comparison to the more structurally complex ellagitannins, the compounds of this invention are structurally simpler, easier to synthesize, and more potent.