Caffeic acid: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:51, 13 February 2025

An organic compound that is a hydroxycinnamic acid

Caffeic acid is an organic compound that is classified as a hydroxycinnamic acid. It is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in a variety of plants and is known for its antioxidant properties. Caffeic acid is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin, a major component of plant cell walls.

Structure and Properties

Caffeic acid is a phenolic acid with the chemical formula C_H_O_. It consists of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups and a carboxylic acid group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its antioxidant activity, allowing it to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Occurrence

Caffeic acid is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It is found in coffee, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It is particularly abundant in coffee beans, where it contributes to the flavor and aroma of coffee. Other sources include apples, pears, berries, and olive oil.

Biological Role

In plants, caffeic acid plays a crucial role in the phenylpropanoid pathway, which is involved in the synthesis of lignin and other important compounds. It acts as a precursor to various polyphenols and is involved in plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and UV radiation.

Health Benefits

Caffeic acid is known for its potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation, protect against cancer, and support cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that it can inhibit the formation of carcinogenic compounds and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Applications

Caffeic acid is used in the food industry as a natural antioxidant to preserve the freshness and quality of food products. It is also used in cosmetics for its anti-aging and skin-protective properties. In pharmaceuticals, caffeic acid derivatives are being explored for their therapeutic potential.

Related Compounds

Caffeic acid is related to other hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and sinapic acid. These compounds share similar structures and biological activities.

Related Pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Caffeic acid''' is a [[hydroxycinnamic acid]], a type of [[phenolic acid]]. It is one of the main natural [[phenols]] found in the [[cell wall]] of plants. It is also a component of many foods and drinks, including [[coffee]], [[wine]], and certain types of [[fruit]] and [[vegetable]]s.
+{{short description|An organic compound that is a hydroxycinnamic acid}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Caffeic acid}}
-==Chemical structure and properties==
+[[File:CaffeicAcIn.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of caffeic acid]]
-Caffeic acid is an [[organic compound]] that consists of a [[benzene ring]] attached to a [[carboxylic acid]] and a [[propene]] side chain. It is a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water. The compound is a strong [[antioxidant]], and it has been studied for its potential health benefits.
-==Sources and dietary intake==
+'''Caffeic acid''' is an organic compound that is classified as a [[hydroxycinnamic acid]]. It is a naturally occurring [[phenolic compound]] found in a variety of [[plants]] and is known for its antioxidant properties. Caffeic acid is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of [[lignin]], a major component of plant cell walls.
-Caffeic acid is found in a wide variety of plant-based foods. The highest concentrations are found in [[coffee]], but it is also present in significant amounts in [[tea]], [[wine]], [[fruit]], [[vegetable]]s, and [[cereal]]s. The average dietary intake of caffeic acid is estimated to be around 0.5 to 1 gram per day.
-==Health effects==
+==Structure and Properties==
-Research has suggested that caffeic acid may have several potential health benefits. These include [[antioxidant]], [[anti-inflammatory]], [[anticancer]], and [[antiviral]] effects. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand how caffeic acid works in the body.
+Caffeic acid is a [[phenolic acid]] with the chemical formula C_H_O_. It consists of a [[benzene ring]] with two hydroxyl groups and a [[carboxylic acid]] group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its antioxidant activity, allowing it to scavenge [[free radicals]] and reduce oxidative stress.
-==Safety and toxicity==
+==Occurrence==
-Caffeic acid is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a normal diet. However, high doses can cause side effects, including [[stomach upset]], [[diarrhea]], and [[nausea]]. There is also some evidence that caffeic acid may interact with certain medications, so people taking medication should consult their doctor before increasing their intake of caffeic acid.
+Caffeic acid is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It is found in [[coffee]], [[fruits]], [[vegetables]], and [[herbs]]. It is particularly abundant in [[coffee beans]], where it contributes to the flavor and aroma of coffee. Other sources include [[apples]], [[pears]], [[berries]], and [[olive oil]].
-==See also==
+==Biological Role==
-* [[Chlorogenic acid]]
+In plants, caffeic acid plays a crucial role in the [[phenylpropanoid pathway]], which is involved in the synthesis of [[lignin]] and other important compounds. It acts as a precursor to various [[polyphenols]] and is involved in plant defense mechanisms against [[pathogens]] and [[UV radiation]].
-* [[Ferulic acid]]
-* [[p-Coumaric acid]]
+==Health Benefits==
+Caffeic acid is known for its potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation, protect against [[cancer]], and support [[cardiovascular health]]. Studies suggest that it can inhibit the formation of [[carcinogenic]] compounds and protect cells from oxidative damage.
+==Applications==
+Caffeic acid is used in the [[food industry]] as a natural antioxidant to preserve the freshness and quality of food products. It is also used in [[cosmetics]] for its anti-aging and skin-protective properties. In [[pharmaceuticals]], caffeic acid derivatives are being explored for their therapeutic potential.
+==Related Compounds==
+Caffeic acid is related to other [[hydroxycinnamic acids]] such as [[ferulic acid]], [[p-coumaric acid]], and [[sinapic acid]]. These compounds share similar structures and biological activities.
+==See Also==
+* [[Phenolic compounds]]
+* [[Antioxidants]]
+* [[Lignin]]
+* [[Phenylpropanoid pathway]]
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Coffee chemistry]]
+* [[Polyphenols]]
+* [[Plant secondary metabolites]]
 [[Category:Phenolic acids]]
 [[Category:Antioxidants]]
-[[Category:Food science]]
+[[Category:Plant physiology]]
-[[Category:Phytochemicals]]
-{{Chemistry-stub}}
-{{Food-stub}}