Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in the cell walls of various plants such as apples, artichokes, cereal grains, coffee, grapes, parsley, peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, tomatoes, and whole grains[4]. It belongs to the hydroxycinnamic acids group. Ferulic acid exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant (free radical scavenger), anti-inflammatory (modulating PPARγ and NF-κB pathways), antithrombotic (inhibiting platelet aggregation), anticancer, antimicrobial and antidiabetic effects[2][5][6]. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and neutralization of free radicals; it also inhibits enzymes that catalyze free radical generation and enhances scavenger enzyme activity[6]. Ferulic acid protects vascular endothelium via ERK1/2 and NO/ET-1 signaling pathways; it has anti-fibrotic effects through TGF-β/Smad modulation. In dermatology and cosmetics it is used for its photoprotective properties to delay skin photoaging processes[4][6].

Other names

FA4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid