2,3-dihydroxycinnamic acid

2,3-dihydroxycinnamic acid, also known as o-caffeic acid, is a naturally occurring phenolic acid and a structural isomer of the common antioxidant caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid). It is found in various botanical and fungal sources, including the medicinal mushroom *Fuscoporia torulosa*. The compound is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties, demonstrating significant radical scavenging activity in ABTS, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays, often outperforming standard antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Additionally, 2,3-dihydroxycinnamic acid acts as a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, which suggests potential therapeutic applications in treating skin hyperpigmentation and utility as a natural preservative in the food industry. Preclinical studies have also explored its cytotoxic effects against breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines, as well as its ability to inhibit cholinesterase enzymes, indicating potential neuroprotective relevance.

Other names

o-Caffeic acid3-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid2,3-DHCA