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CAS 331-39-5 Caffeic Acid Powder
Chemical Properties and Natural Forms of Caffeic Acid
Chemical Structure Characteristics:
Caffeic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid organic compound, featuring both phenolic hydroxyl and acrylic acid functional groups in its molecular structure. It is an important member of the polyphenol family, specifically classified among phenolic acids.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Yellowish-white crystalline solid at room temperature
Solubility:
● Slightly soluble in cold water
● Easily soluble in hot water and organic solvents such as ethanol
Natural Distribution and Biological Role:
As a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of plant lignin, caffeic acid is widely distributed throughout various plant tissues. It plays a fundamental role in the formation of plant cell walls and biomass, contributing to its widespread presence in nature.
Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Caffeic Acid
Antioxidant Defense System
Caffeic acid exhibits potent antioxidant capacity by directly scavenging superoxide anions and blocking free radical chain reactions. This effectively prevents oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating pathological processes associated with oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory Modulation
By inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, caffeic acid significantly alleviates symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, demonstrating potential for clinical intervention.
Antimicrobial Activity
Experimental studies have confirmed caffeic acid’s inhibitory effects against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, offering a promising natural candidate for the development of novel anti-infective agents.
Neuroprotective Mechanisms
Caffeic acid may help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, thus preserving neuronal function and integrity.
These multi-target bioactivities make caffeic acid a valuable compound for functional foods, pharmaceutical development, and disease prevention.
Application Fields of Caffeic Acid
Cosmetics Industry
Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, caffeic acid has become an ideal ingredient in cosmetic formulations:
● Whitening Effect: Inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production, brightening skin tone
● Hair Dye Support: Acts as a stabilizer in oxidative hair dyes, enhancing color intensity and longevity
● Natural Preservative: Serves as an alternative to traditional preservatives, improving product safety
Food Industry
In the food sector, caffeic acid offers both functional and preservative benefits:
● Functional Additive: Used in beverages like fruit juices to boost antioxidant value
● Natural Preservative: Applied in dairy products such as yogurt and cheese to extend shelf life while reducing reliance on chemical preservatives
With its multifunctional properties, caffeic acid is driving the cosmetics and food industries toward more natural and health-oriented innovations.
