Phenolic Acids
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Phenolic acids or phenolcarboxylic acids are types of aromatic acid compound. Included in that class are substances containing a phenolic ring and an organic carboxylic acid function (C6-C1 skeleton). There are several categories of phenolic acids including:
- Monohydroxybenzoic acids: salicylic acid, 3-Hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid
- Some esters of this group include paraben, methyl paraben, propyl paraben
- Dihydroxybenzoic acids: vanillin, vanillic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid
- Trihydroxybenzoic acids: gallic acid, ellagic acid, syringic acid, eudesmic acid, phloroglucinol carboxylic acid
- This type of phenolic acid (especially gallic acid, ellagic acid) is a component of hydrolysable tannins.
Their esters are considered "cold"
Phenolic acids and prevention of cognitive decline.
Occurrences
Phenolic acids can be found in many plant species. Their content in dried fruits can be high.
Natural phenols in horse grams (Macrotyloma uniflorum) are mostly phenolic acids, namely 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic, p-hydroxy benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and sinapinic acids.
Phenolic acids can be found in mushroom Basidiomycetes species. It is also a part of the Fulvic / Humic Acid substances, which are the major organic constituents of soil humus.
Many phenolic acids can be found in human urine.
Several studies have found that extracts of many members of the mint family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae) have considerable in vitro antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic acids such as Rosmarinic acid. Highest antioxidant activity was found in Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal), which had a Rosmarinic acid content of about 5%.
Chemistry
Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase can be used to catalyze the direct acetylation of flavonoids with phenolic acids.