Chicoric acid

Chicoric acid (also known as cichoric acid) is a hydroxycinnamic acid, a type of phenolic acid. It is a derivative of caffeic acid that is found in a variety of plants, most notably in Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), chicory, and basil.

Chemical Structure

Chicoric acid is a dicaffeoyl derivative of tartaric acid. Its chemical structure consists of two caffeic acid molecules linked to a central tartaric acid molecule. The caffeic acid molecules are attached to the tartaric acid molecule via ester bonds.

Sources

Chicoric acid is found in a variety of plants, including Echinacea purpurea, chicory, and basil. It is also found in smaller amounts in other plants such as dandelion, lettuce, and spinach.

Health Benefits

Chicoric acid has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it can help to protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Some studies have also suggested that chicoric acid may have antiviral properties, although more research is needed in this area.

Pharmacology

In pharmacology, chicoric acid is known for its potential to inhibit the activity of the HIV enzyme integrase. This has led to interest in its potential use as a treatment for HIV infection. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of chicoric acid in this context.

See Also

• Hydroxycinnamic acids
• Phenolic acids
• Caffeic acid
• Echinacea purpurea
• Chicory
• Basil