Phenolic acids are one of the most important classes of polyphenols.

They occur naturally in the vegetal world:

• whole grains
• nuts
• coffee
• berries
• tea

These compounds have different functions and are immensely important in the interactions and symbiosis of plants. Phenolic compounds act as signaling molecules and can act as agents in defense of plants (1).

They are found not only in many plants, but also in honey.

Among the phenolic acids we find acids with interesting healing properties.

• Acetylsalicylic acid

properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

• Caffeic acid

properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic,

• Chlorogenic acid

Properties: anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, antiepileptic, anti-apoptotic

• Ellagic acid

properties: antioxidant, attenuator of neuropathic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory pain

• Phenylethyl ester of caffeic acid

properties: antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, antitumor

• Ferulic acid

properties: antidepressant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic

• Gallic acid

properties: antioxidant, antidepressant, cytotoxic, anticancer

• Homovanillic acid

properties: antidepressant

• P-Coumaric acid

properties: anticancer

• Rosmarinic acid

properties: antioxidant, antiepileptic, antidepressant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory

• Protocatechuic acid

properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

• Salicylic acid

properties: antioxidant

• Synapic acid

properties: attenuator of neuropathic pain

• Syringic acid

properties: antioxidant

• Tannic acid

properties: antioxidant

Phenolic acids studies

References_______________________________________________________

(1) Phenolic acids act as signaling molecules in plant-microbe symbioses
Santi M Mandal, Dipjyoti Chakraborty, Satyahari Dey
Plant Signal Behav. 2010 Apr; 5(4): 359–368.