Abstract
Flavonoids and polyphenols are heterocyclic molecules that have been associated with beneficial effects on human health, such as reducing the risk of various diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and brain diseases. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a type of widely distributed naturally occurring phenolic acid. PCA has structural similarity with gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid which are well-known antioxidant compounds. More than 500 plants contain PCA as active constituents imparting various pharmacological activity and these effects are due to their antioxidant activities, along with other possible mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory properties and interaction with several enzymes. Over the past two decades, there have been an increasing number of publications on polyphenols and flavonoids, which demonstrate the importance of understanding the chemistry behind the antioxidant activities of both natural and synthesized compounds, considering the benefits from their dietary ingestion as well as pharmacological use. This work aims to review the pharmacological effects of PCA molecules in humans and the structural aspects that contribute to these effects.
Highlights
Polyphenols are the most voluminous antioxidants in human diets
Protocatechuic acid is detected in many fruits, such as plums (Prunus domestica L.) [5]; gooseberries (Ribes uvacrispa L.) [6]; grapes (Vitis vinifera) [6]; and nuts, such as almonds ordinary (Prunus amygdalus) [7]
Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has been reported for its potential action such as antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity, antiulcer activity, antidiabetic activity, antiageing activity, antifibrotic activity, antiviral activity, anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic activity, antiatherosclerotic activity, cardiac activity, hepatoprotective activity, neurological and nephro protective activity
Summary
Polyphenols are the most voluminous antioxidants in human diets. These polyphenols are to be categorized in different classes as phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, and stilbenes. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is widely distributed and present in most edible plants used in folk medicine [2] It is a very common compound present in human diet, present in bran and grain brown rice (Oryza sativa L.) [3] and onion (Allium cepa L.) [4], especially in the scales. Protocatechuic acid is found in many plants and spices, such as star anise (Illicium verum), melissa (Melissa officinalis L.), a medical rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and cynamonowa (Cinnamomum aromaticum) [4] This compound is one of the biologically active components of some medicinal plants, including those used in natural medicine, such as sudan Mallow (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) [10, 11], Japanese ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) [12], and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) [13].
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