Coumaric acid

Coumaric Acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid, an organic compound that is a hydroxy derivative of cinnamic acid. There are three isomers, o-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, and p-coumaric acid, that differ by the position of the hydroxy substitution of the phenyl group.

Chemical Structure

Coumaric acid has the molecular formula C9H8O3. It is a crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water. The three isomers of coumaric acid are distinguished by the position of the hydroxy group on the phenyl ring: ortho (o-), meta (m-), and para (p-).

Natural Occurrence

Coumaric acid is found in a variety of plants, including parsley, thyme, oregano, and celery. It is also found in the vinegar produced from fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and pickles.

Health Benefits

Research has suggested that coumaric acid may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It may also help to prevent heart disease and diabetes.

Pharmacology

In the body, coumaric acid is metabolized into ferulic acid, another hydroxycinnamic acid with potential health benefits. The metabolism of coumaric acid involves the enzyme 4-coumarate-CoA ligase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of lignin, a complex organic polymer that is a major component of the cell walls of plants.

See Also

• Hydroxycinnamic acid
• Cinnamic acid
• Ferulic acid
• 4-coumarate-CoA ligase
• Lignin