Abstract
Phenolic compounds are naturally present as secondary metabolites in plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. They have received considerable attention for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties for protection against many chronic disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They are categorized into various groups based on their chemical structure and include phenolic acids, flavonoids, curcumins, tannins, and quinolones. Their structural variations contribute to their specific beneficial effects on human health. The antioxidant property of phenolic compounds protects against oxidative stress by up-regulation of endogenous antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, and anti-apoptotic activity. Protocatechuic acid (PCA; 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL; 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) are naturally occurring polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and herbs. PCA and PAL are the primary metabolites of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to possess pharmacological actions including antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of PCA and PAL by comprehensively summarizing their pharmacological properties reported to date, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and biological properties.
Highlights
Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in plant-based products that have been associated with potential beneficial effects on human health. ey play a significant role in many physiological and metabolic processes [1], such as reducing the risk of various diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes [2, 3] in human beings
Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a water-soluble benzoic acid derivative (Figure 1), reported to have anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, analgesic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and antiviral effects in both in vivo and in vitro studies [3,4,5,6]. It plays an important role in reversing the biochemical changes induced by cardiac dysfunction and diabetes [7] and reducing the metabolic disorders associated with obesity [8]
Oxidative stress results from the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals, which are the by-products of metabolic processes, and are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. e antioxidants function through direct or indirect mechanisms including scavenging of ROS and intracellular enzymatic reactions [90]
Summary
Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in plant-based products that have been associated with potential beneficial effects on human health. ey play a significant role in many physiological and metabolic processes [1], such as reducing the risk of various diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes [2, 3] in human beings. PCA is a water-soluble benzoic acid derivative (Figure 1), reported to have anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, analgesic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and antiviral effects in both in vivo and in vitro studies [3,4,5,6]. It plays an important role in reversing the biochemical changes induced by cardiac dysfunction and diabetes [7] and reducing the metabolic disorders associated with obesity [8]. PCA and PAL have been confirmed to have antioxidant effects in many diseases, making these “old compounds” a potential “new application” for medical therapies. We aim to fill this gap in knowledge by reviewing the current studies on the antioxidative effects and the underlying mechanisms of these compounds in central nervous system-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver injury, cancer, obesity, and other diseases and discuss their potential in therapeutic applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
