phloretic acid

Phloretic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic acid and a dihydrochalcone metabolite found in various plants, including *Ginkgo biloba*, *Asparagus*, and apples. It is primarily recognized as a metabolite of phloretin and a reduction product of p-coumaric acid, often produced by gut microbiota. Research indicates that phloretic acid possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. In animal models, it has demonstrated the ability to alleviate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism, reducing lipogenesis, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. In *Caenorhabditis elegans*, it extends lifespan through the activation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway (specifically DAF-16, SKN-1, and HSF-1) and the induction of autophagy. Additionally, phloretic acid serves as a precursor in the biosynthesis of 4-ethylphenol and is utilized in the development of bio-based surfactants and antimicrobial coatings for medical implants.

Other names

3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acidHPPAdihydro-p-coumaric acid3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid