Phenolic acids

Abstract

Phenolic acids are plant metabolites widely spread throughout the plant kingdom. Recent interest in phenolic acids stems from the potential protection they offer against oxidative damage diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers) when consumed in fruits and vegetables. This review article discusses the function of plant phenolic acids associated with diverse roles, including nutrient uptake, protein synthesis, photosynthesis and allelopathy. It also provides an update of the health-promoting benefits of their important biological and pharmacological properties, especially antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. The main methodologies currently being used for the extraction and quantification of these important phenolic compounds are also discussed.