Sodium ferulate

Sodium ferulate (also known as sodium 5-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) is a salt form of ferulic acid, a type of hydroxycinnamic acid. It is a natural compound found in the cell walls of plants, including wheat, rice, peanuts, oranges, and pineapples. Sodium ferulate has been studied for its potential health benefits and therapeutic uses.

Chemical Structure

Sodium ferulate is a phenolic compound with a molecular formula of C10H9NaO4. It is a sodium salt of ferulic acid, which is a hydroxycinnamic acid. The compound is characterized by a benzene ring substituted with a methoxy and a hydroxy group, and a carboxylate group attached to a propene side chain.

Sources

Sodium ferulate is found in the cell walls of many plants. It is particularly abundant in the bran of cereals such as wheat and rice, as well as in peanuts, oranges, and pineapples. It can also be synthesized in the laboratory.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Sodium ferulate has been studied for its potential health benefits and therapeutic uses. It has antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect cells from damage by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

In addition, sodium ferulate has been investigated for its potential use in the treatment of various health conditions. For example, it has been studied for its potential to protect against cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a process that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.

Safety and Side Effects

As a natural compound found in many foods, sodium ferulate is generally considered safe. However, like all substances, it can cause side effects in some people, especially when consumed in large amounts. Potential side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

See Also

• Ferulic acid
• Hydroxycinnamic acids
• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Antimicrobial agents