Ce ferulic acid
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Ferulic Acid: Properties, Applications, and Therapeutic Potential
Introduction to Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is a phenolic compound widely found in plants, particularly in vegetables, cereal grains, and certain Chinese medicinal herbs such as Angelica sinensis and Cimicifuga heracleifolia2 5. It is known for its low toxicity and a variety of beneficial physiological functions, making it a valuable component in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries5 7.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Antioxidant Potential
Ferulic acid exhibits potent antioxidant properties due to its ability to form a resonance-stabilized phenoxy radical, which helps in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting oxidative stress7 10. This antioxidant activity is crucial in protecting cells from damage caused by UV radiation and other environmental stressors, making ferulic acid a popular ingredient in skin care formulations for photoprotection and anti-aging7 10.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Ferulic acid also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects. It modulates various signaling pathways, including PPARγ, CAM, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK, which are involved in the inflammatory response6. This makes ferulic acid effective in reducing inflammation and protecting against diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders2 6.
Therapeutic Applications
Cardiovascular Health
Ferulic acid has been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects. A clinical trial demonstrated that ferulic acid supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers while increasing HDL-C levels3. These effects suggest that ferulic acid can be beneficial in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases3.
Diabetes Management
Ferulic acid has been found to enhance glucose uptake and improve lipid profiles in diabetic models. When combined with metformin, a common anti-diabetic drug, ferulic acid enhances the drug's efficacy, allowing for a reduced dosage and minimizing side effects9. This synergistic interaction is due to ferulic acid's action on the PI3-K pathway and metformin's activation of the AMPK pathway, both of which are involved in glucose metabolism9.
Neuroprotection and Anti-cancer Properties
Ferulic acid's ability to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation also extends to neuroprotection and anti-cancer activities. It protects vascular endothelium and plays a role in anti-fibrosis by modulating the TGF-β/Smad and MMPs/TIMPs systems6. Additionally, its anti-cancer properties are linked to its ability to down-regulate various molecular targets associated with cancer progression2.
Industrial and Pharmaceutical Applications
Food and Cosmetic Industries
In the food industry, ferulic acid is used as a preservative due to its antioxidant properties, which help prevent lipid peroxidation and oxidative spoilage7 10. In cosmetics, it is incorporated into formulations for its photoprotective and anti-aging benefits, protecting skin structures such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin7.
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Ferulic acid is also utilized in pharmaceutical preparations for its various health benefits. It is used in the production of vanillin, a flavoring agent, and as a cross-linking agent in the preparation of food gels and edible films5. Its therapeutic potential is further explored in patents focusing on its use against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions2.
Conclusion
Ferulic acid is a versatile phenolic compound with a wide range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects. Its applications span across the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, making it a valuable natural compound for improving health and well-being. The ongoing research and development of ferulic acid-based products continue to highlight its potential in various therapeutic areas, promising a broad scope of benefits for human health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Synchronous fluorescence determination of ferulic acid with Ce(IV) and sodium tripolyphosphate.
The proposed synchronous fluorescence detection method for ferulic acid effectively detects its concentration in aqueous medium, with a limit of determination of 1.3 10-8 mol/L.
Ferulic Acid: A Promising Therapeutic phytochemical and recent patents advances.
Ferulic acid shows promising therapeutic potential against various infections, including malignant growth, diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases, with recent patents highlighting its antioxidant properties.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedFerulic Acid Supplementation Improves Lipid Profiles, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Status in Hyperlipidemic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Ferulic acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, reduces oxidative stress, and reduces inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedA modular esterase from Penicillium funiculosum which releases ferulic acid from plant cell walls and binds crystalline cellulose contains a carbohydrate binding module.
The fungus Penicillium funiculosum produces a cinnamoyl esterase (FAEB) that efficiently releases ferulic acid from plant cell walls and binds crystalline cellulose, with a carbohydrate binding module.
Highly CitedFerulic acid: pharmaceutical functions, preparation and applications in foods
Ferulic acid, found in Chinese medicine herbs, has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombosis, and anti-cancer properties, making it a valuable and safe additive in food and cosmetic industries.
Highly CitedFerulic acid: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and derivatives.
Ferulic acid has various biological activities, including anti-oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular endothelial injury, fibrosis, apoptosis, and platelet aggregation, and its pharmacokinetics and derivatives are also discussed.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAntioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application
Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties and is widely used in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent, delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component, but its use is limited by its tendency to rapidly oxidize.
Highly CitedPotential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources
Ferulic acid, a natural phenolic phytochemical, exhibits a wide variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases.
Highly CitedHybrid drug combination: Combination of ferulic acid and metformin as anti-diabetic therapy.
Combining ferulic acid with metformin improves glucose uptake and hypoglycemic activity, allowing for a reduced dose of metformin and reducing side effects in diabetic rats.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAntioxidant potential of ferulic acid.
Ferulic acid has potent antioxidant potential, preserving cell integrity and protecting against inflammatory diseases, UV radiation, and lipid peroxidation in foods.
Highly Cited