The invention relates to peptides having the general formula (I), or a salt or amide thereof, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are either the same or different, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue, said residue having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein Z.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of histidine and proline, wherein Z.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of an arginine and a peptide comprising an initial arginine and having from 2 to 30 amino acids. The invention also relates to methods using the peptides of the present invention in the treatment of inflammation.