4′-Geranyloxyferulic acid: an overview of its potentialities as an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent

Abstract

3-(4′-Geranyloxy-3′-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans propenoic acid (4′-geranyloxyferulic acid, GOFA) 1 is an oxyprenylated ferulic acid derivative that has been extracted for the first time in 1966 from the root and bark extracts of Acronychia baueri Schott (Fam. Rutaceae). In the last decade the pharmacological properties of the title compound began to be characterized, revealing its valuable potentialities as an anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent. In this context the aim of this review article is to report the insofar described biological effects of 4′-geranyloxyferulic acid. Data collected during the recent years indicates that 1 is an effective dietary feeding colon cancer chemopreventive agent in vivo. When administered to animals, in which colon adenoma and adenocarcinoma have been induced by the administration of azoxymethane in the diet, as a large bowel delivered prodrug linked to dipeptides, or as an inclusion complex in cyclodextrins, or coupled to known anti-inflammatory agents like L-NAME, a protective effect on colon cancer growth and development have been recorded. Recent studies on the natural occurrence of 4′-geranyloxyferulic acid, showed the presence of this oxyprenylated secondary metabolite in widely consumed edible fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits and their phytopreparations.