The present invention relates to complexes of nocardamine (desferrioxamine E) with at least one metal, specifically with Zn2+ or Ga3+ or silver or gold or any combinations thereof. The invention further provides procedures for the preparation of the complexes and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said complexes or any combinations of said complexes, as well as methods using the compositions and complexes of the invention in modulating cytokine levels in a subject and thereby treating inflammation-associated disorders.