Caftaric acid: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:48, 15 February 2025

A phenolic compound found in wine and other plants

Caftaric acid is a type of phenolic compound that belongs to the class of hydroxycinnamic acids. It is an ester formed from caffeic acid and tartaric acid. Caftaric acid is commonly found in grapes and is a significant component of wine, contributing to its antioxidant properties.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Caftaric acid is chemically known as caffeoyl tartaric acid. Its structure consists of a caffeic acid moiety esterified to tartaric acid. The chemical formula for caftaric acid is C₁₃H₁₂O₉.

Occurrence[edit]

Caftaric acid is predominantly found in Vitis vinifera, the common grapevine. It is present in both the skin and pulp of grapes and is one of the major phenolic compounds in white wine. During the winemaking process, caftaric acid can undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of other phenolic compounds.

Role in Wine[edit]

In wine, caftaric acid contributes to the color and flavor profile. It is involved in the browning reactions that occur during the oxidation of wine. The presence of caftaric acid and its derivatives can influence the astringency and bitterness of the wine.

Health Benefits[edit]

Caftaric acid, like other phenolic compounds, exhibits antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Related Compounds[edit]

Caftaric acid is related to other hydroxycinnamic acids such as chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. These compounds share similar antioxidant properties and are found in various fruits, vegetables, and beverages.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Caftaric acid''' is a naturally occurring [[phenolic compound]] found in various plants, particularly in the species of the [[Asteraceae]] family. It is a type of [[hydroxycinnamic acid]], which is a subgroup of [[phenolic acids]] known for their antioxidant properties. Caftaric acid is a conjugate of [[caffeic acid]] and [[tartaric acid]], and it plays a significant role in plant metabolism and defense mechanisms. It is also of interest in the field of [[nutrition]] and [[pharmacology]] due to its potential health benefits.
+{{short description|A phenolic compound found in wine and other plants}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Caftaric acid}}
-==Chemical Structure and Properties==
+[[File:Caftaric_acid.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of caftaric acid]]
-Caftaric acid, chemically known as 2-[[O-(trans-caffeoyl)]]-tartaric acid, has the molecular formula C13H12O9. It is characterized by the presence of a caffeoyl group attached to the tartaric acid backbone. This compound is soluble in water and various organic solvents, which facilitates its absorption and utilization in biological systems.
-==Sources==
+'''Caftaric acid''' is a type of [[phenolic compound]] that belongs to the class of [[hydroxycinnamic acids]]. It is an ester formed from [[caffeic acid]] and [[tartaric acid]]. Caftaric acid is commonly found in [[grapes]] and is a significant component of [[wine]], contributing to its [[antioxidant]] properties.
-Caftaric acid is predominantly found in [[grapes]], [[wine]], and certain [[herbs]] and [[vegetables]]. Grapes, especially their skins, are rich sources of caftaric acid, which contributes to the phenolic content of wine. It is also present in significant amounts in [[Echinacea]] species, contributing to their medicinal properties.
-==Biological Activities and Health Benefits==
+==Chemical Structure==
-Caftaric acid exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including [[antioxidant]], [[anti-inflammatory]], and [[antimicrobial]] properties. Its antioxidant activity is attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and chelate metal ions, which can prevent oxidative stress and associated diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of caftaric acid are linked to its ability to inhibit enzymes and signaling pathways involved in inflammation. Additionally, caftaric acid has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, making it a compound of interest in the development of new antimicrobial agents.
+Caftaric acid is chemically known as [[caffeoyl tartaric acid]]. Its structure consists of a caffeic acid moiety esterified to tartaric acid. The chemical formula for caftaric acid is C<sub>13</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>9</sub>.
-===Antioxidant Activity===
+==Occurrence==
-The antioxidant activity of caftaric acid is one of its most notable properties. By neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to cells and tissues, caftaric acid can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases such as [[cancer]], [[cardiovascular diseases]], and [[neurodegenerative diseases]].
+Caftaric acid is predominantly found in [[Vitis vinifera]], the common grapevine. It is present in both the skin and pulp of grapes and is one of the major phenolic compounds in [[white wine]]. During the winemaking process, caftaric acid can undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of other phenolic compounds.
-===Anti-inflammatory Activity===
+==Role in Wine==
-Caftaric acid's anti-inflammatory effects are beneficial in reducing the risk and severity of inflammatory conditions. It can modulate the body's inflammatory response, potentially offering therapeutic benefits in diseases such as [[arthritis]] and [[asthma]].
+In wine, caftaric acid contributes to the [[color]] and [[flavor]] profile. It is involved in the browning reactions that occur during the oxidation of wine. The presence of caftaric acid and its derivatives can influence the [[astringency]] and [[bitterness]] of the wine.
-===Antimicrobial Activity===
+==Health Benefits==
-The antimicrobial properties of caftaric acid extend to a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes it a potential natural alternative for treating infections and supporting the body's immune system.
+Caftaric acid, like other phenolic compounds, exhibits [[antioxidant]] activity. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing [[free radicals]] in the body, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
-==Potential Applications==
+==Related Compounds==
-Given its health-promoting properties, caftaric acid has potential applications in the fields of [[nutraceuticals]], [[functional foods]], and [[pharmaceuticals]]. It can be used as a dietary supplement to support overall health and as a functional ingredient in foods and beverages for its antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. In pharmaceuticals, caftaric acid could be explored as a natural compound for developing new drugs with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial effects.
+Caftaric acid is related to other hydroxycinnamic acids such as [[chlorogenic acid]] and [[ferulic acid]]. These compounds share similar antioxidant properties and are found in various [[fruits]], [[vegetables]], and [[beverages]].
-==Conclusion==
+==See also==
-Caftaric acid is a phenolic compound with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, which contribute to its potential health benefits. Found in a variety of plant sources, it holds promise for use in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to explore its therapeutic potential in human health.
+* [[Phenolic compounds in wine]]
+* [[Caffeic acid]]
+* [[Tartaric acid]]
+* [[Antioxidants]]
+==Related pages==
+* [[Wine chemistry]]
+* [[Grape]]
+* [[Polyphenol]]
 [[Category:Phenolic compounds]]
+[[Category:Wine chemistry]]
 [[Category:Antioxidants]]
-[[Category:Anti-inflammatory agents]]
-[[Category:Antimicrobial agents]]
-{{chemistry-stub}}
-{{No image}}