The invention provides compositions for and methods of treating a number of disorders. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a wide range of conditions by administering to a human being in need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of (a) N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine of at least 98% purity, (b) a prodrug thereof, (c) an aliphatic chain derivative thereof, (d) an ester derivative thereof, (e) an amide derivative thereof, or (f) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine or said prodrug.