Fumaric acid and, in particular its esters, are used for the treatment of psoriasis, a skin disease that affects 5% of the population, especially for those patients who have intolerances or who do not respond to other healing agents (1).

Still in dermatology, fumaric acid esters have been shown as an alternative and safe treatment in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (2).

It has also been used for the treatment of RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis), inflammatory heart conditions, such as autoimmune myocarditis, ischemia and reperfusion. It has also been reported to be effective as a potential neuroprotector against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (hand). Many in vivo studies conducted on rat models have indicated inhibitory effects of fumaric acid on carcinogenesis of different origins (3).

References______________________________

(1) Fumaric acid esters for psoriasis: a systematic review.

Smith D.  -  Ir J Med Sci. 2016 Jun

(2) Fumaric acid ester treatment in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE): a prospective, open-label, phase II pilot study.  -  Kuhn A, Landmann A, Patsinakidis N, Ruland V, Nozinic S, Perusquía Ortiz AM, Sauerland C, Luger T, Tsianakas A, Bonsmann G.  -  Lupus. 2016 Oct

Severe recalcitrant cutaneous manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with fumaric acid esters.  -  Saracino AM, Orteu CH.  -  Br J Dermatol. 2016 Apr

(3) Recent advances in the biomedical applications of fumaric acid and its ester derivatives: The multifaceted alternative therapeutics.  -  Das RK, Brar SK, Verma M.  -  Pharmacol Rep. 2016 Apr

Fumaric acid is commonly found in nature, in many fruits and vegetables. It is extracted from sugar naturally or by chemical synthesis.

Industrially it appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

It was among the oldest food acidifiers and is still widely used as an acidity regulator in foods and beverages. Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E297, acidulant.

Medical

Fumaric acid and especially its esters are used in the treatment of psoriasis (1), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (2), treatment of RRMS or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (3).

Cosmetics

Buffering agent. It is an iingredient that can bring an alkaline or acid solution to a certain pH level and prevent it from changing, in practice a pH stabiliser that can effectively resist instability and pH change.

Acido fumarico studi

Molecular Formula  C₄H₄O₄

Molecular Weight  116.07

CAS  110-17-8

EC number    203-743-0

Synonyms:

• 1,2-Ethenedicarboxylic acid, trans-
• Allomaleic acid
• Tumaric acid
• 2-Butenedioic acid
• trans-Butenedioic acid
• Allomaleic acid
• Boletic acid
• Lichenic acid

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Fumaric acid esters for psoriasis: a systematic review. Smith D.  -  Ir J Med Sci. 2016 Jun

(2) Fumaric acid ester treatment in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE): a prospective, open-label, phase II pilot study.  -  Kuhn A, Landmann A, Patsinakidis N, Ruland V, Nozinic S, Perusquía Ortiz AM, Sauerland C, Luger T, Tsianakas A, Bonsmann G.  -  Lupus. 2016 Oct

Severe recalcitrant cutaneous manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with fumaric acid esters.  -  Saracino AM, Orteu CH.  -  Br J Dermatol. 2016 Apr

(3) Recent advances in the biomedical applications of fumaric acid and its ester derivatives: The multifaceted alternative therapeutics.  -  Das RK, Brar SK, Verma M.  -  Pharmacol Rep. 2016 Apr