The invention provides therapeutic methods and products for the treatment of inflammation, inflammatory diseases and conditions, and proliferative diseases and conditions. The invention also provides methods and products for inhibiting inflammation in excised cells, tissues and organs. The invention further provides oral care methods and products for the treatment of the tissues of an animal's mouth. Finally, the invention provides personal care methods and products for the treatment of the skin of an animal. All of these methods and products utilize N-acyl-L-aspartic acid or an ester or pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.