Polyene compounds represented by the formula ##STR1## in which R is H, lower alkyl of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or aralkyl;R.sub.1 is H or lower alkyl of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; andY is carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkenyloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, tetrazolyl or ##STR2## wherein R is H, lower alkyl of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or aralkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.The foregoing compounds have been found active in regulating the formation of lipoxygenase and as such possess therapeutic value in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and allergic responses.