Quinic acid

Quinic Acid

Quinic acid is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the class of organic acids known as hydroxy acids. It is a crystalline solid with a sour taste and is commonly found in various plants, particularly in fruits such as coffee cherries, apples, and cinchona bark. Quinic acid has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is also utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Chemical Properties

Quinic acid, with the chemical formula C7H12O6, is a cyclic polyol with five hydroxyl groups. It is classified as a hydroxy acid due to the presence of a carboxylic acid group and hydroxyl groups in its structure. The compound is soluble in water and has a melting point of around 160-165°C.

Natural Sources

Quinic acid is widely distributed in nature and can be found in various plants. It is particularly abundant in coffee cherries, where it contributes to the characteristic taste of coffee. Other natural sources of quinic acid include apples, plums, cranberries, and cinchona bark. The compound is also present in certain medicinal plants, such as Echinacea and feverfew.

Uses

Medicinal Uses

Quinic acid has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, quinic acid-containing herbs are used to treat conditions such as fever, headache, and digestive disorders. However, further research is needed to fully understand and validate these traditional uses.

Food and Beverage Industry

Quinic acid is utilized in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent and acidulant. It is commonly added to various products, including soft drinks, fruit juices, and confectionery, to enhance their taste and provide a sour flavor. Additionally, quinic acid is used in the production of certain food additives, such as quinine, which is derived from cinchona bark and used as a flavoring agent in tonic water.

References

1. Smith, A. B., & Wuts, P. G. (2013). Quinic Acid. In Compendium of Organic Synthetic Methods (Vol. 13, pp. 1-2). John Wiley & Sons.

2. Zhang, Y., & Liu, Y. (2017). Quinic Acid: A Promising Scaffold for Drug Discovery. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 24(30), 3287-3302.

3. Srinivasan, K. (2007). Quinic Acid: A Versatile Molecule with Interesting Physiological and Biological Activities. Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 66(8), 667-674.

See Also

• Hydroxy Acid
• Organic Acids
• Coffee Cherries
• Cinchona Bark
• Echinacea
• Feverfew
• Flavoring Agent
• Acidulant
• Quinine
• Tonic Water