chicoric acid

**Chicoric acid** is a natural hydroxycinnamic acid found in plants such as *Cichorium intybus* (chicory), *Echinacea purpurea* (purple coneflower), dandelion, basil, and others[4][8]. It is a derivative of caffeic acid and tartaric acid and acts as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory compound[9][10]. Mechanistically, chicoric acid inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activates antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase and catalase), helping to maintain cellular redox balance, reduce oxidative stress, and protect collagen[1][2][9][13]. It also inhibits pro-inflammatory signaling via suppression of NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation pathways[1][3]. Additionally, chicoric acid inhibits HIV-1 integrase, stimulates phagocytosis, inhibits hyaluronidase, promotes apoptosis in specific contexts, and protects against obesity, diabetes, and neuroinflammation in experimental models[3][9][13]. Chicoric acid is regarded as a functional food ingredient and is sometimes considered a nutraceutical or dietary supplement due to its lack of dose-dependent toxicity and broad bioactive effects[5].

Other names

chicoric acidcichoric aciddicaffeoyltartaric acid2,3-dicaffeoyl-L-tartaric acid2-O,3-O-bis[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propenoyl]-L-tartaric acidpurple daisies