Chapter 20 - Ximenynic acid and its bioactivities

Abstract

Ximenynic acid is a natural conjugated acetylenic fatty acid and primarily exists in the Santalales order. This unusual fatty acid has shown its beneficial effects based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Here, we summarized the research findings of ximenynic acid concerning its anti-inflammation, anticancer, antimicrobial, and larvicidal activities. Ximenynic acid may present an exciting opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in clinics. Moreover, it involves long-chain fatty acid metabolism, which may regulate insulin secretion and improve insulin resistance. Ximenynic acid also has a vast potential market, because it is widely used in the cosmetics industry. With the discovery of its various biological activities, the demand for ximenynic acid is dramatically increasing. Therefore, it is essential to know how to obtain high-purity ximenynic acid. Natural ximenynic acid is primarily found in the seed oils of three families of Santalales, the Opiliaceae, Olacaceae, and Santalaceae, with total fatty acid content ranging from 1% to 95%. There are a variety of ways to separate and purify ximenynic acid from plant oil. The common ways are recrystallization and chromatography. Besides, ximenynic acid can also be acquired by employing synthesis technology, such as the well-studied chemical synthesis method. Ximenynic acid can be chemically synthesized using coaster oil as the precursor or from propargyl bromide and heptaldehyde, and might be biosynthesized from oleic acid during seed development by dehydrogenation of delta 9, 11 positions. Therefore, biosynthesis of ximenynic acid might be a promising way to obtain ximenynic acid in the future. But so far, the available information about ximenynic acid research is still limited. Further studies, especially on its activities, applications, and advanced preparation methods, are needed.