p-coumaric acid

p-coumaric acid is a naturally occurring phenolic acid and a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. It has been identified as a novel therapeutic candidate for hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) due to its ability to directly bind to and inhibit the enzymatic activity of the lysosomal cysteine protease Cathepsin B (CTSB). By altering the spatial conformation of CTSB, p-coumaric acid prevents the protease from interacting with NLRP3 in the cytosol, thereby suppressing the activation of the NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1-GSDMD-N-IL-18/IL-1β signaling cascade. This mechanism effectively attenuates tubulointerstitial inflammation and renal fibrosis in disease models. Beyond its potential as a pharmaceutical lead, p-coumaric acid is widely found in dietary sources such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and is recognized for its antioxidant and nutraceutical benefits.

Other names

4-hydroxycinnamic acidtrans-p-coumaric acid