Neuroprotectin D1 is an autacoid protectin. Autacoids are chemical mediators including the families of resolvins and protectins, defined by their potent bioactions and novel chemical structures. They require enzymatic generation from docosanoids, oxygenated products from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which specifically possess a conjugated triene double-bond system in their structures, are denoted protectins. The protectins demonstrate anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions in vivo. Resolvins and protectins have specific stereoselective actions which evoke biological actions in the nanogram range in vivo and are natural exudate products. Resolvins and protectins as distinct chemical families join the lipoxins as potent agonists of endogenous anti-inflammation and are proresolving chemical mediators of interest in human disease as potential new approaches to treatment. The terms protectin and neuroprotectin [the term applied to protectin that is generated in the neural tissues] were introduced given the anti-inflammatory and protective actions of the 10,17-docosatriene in neural systems, stroke, and animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The prefix in neuroprotectin (NPD1) provides a local pathway address for the biosynthesis and action of this molecule. In recent years, investigators have recognized inflammation as playing a key role in many prevalent diseases not previously considered to be of inflammatory etiology. These include Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, which now join those well-appreciated inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and periodontal disease. Identifying the molecular mechanism(s) that underlie the many reports of the benefits of dietary omega-3 PUFAs remains an important challenge for nutrition and medicine. Thus, that these new mediator families, resolvins and protectins, are biosynthesized from EPA and DHA, act locally, and possess potent, novel bioactions is of interest to researchers.