Phenolic Acids of Plant Origin—A Review on Their Antioxidant Activity In Vitro (O/W Emulsion Systems) Along with Their in Vivo Health Biochemical Properties

Abstract

Nature has generously offered a wide range of herbs (e.g., thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, mint, basil) rich in many polyphenols and other phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and biochemical properties. This paper focuses on several natural occurring phenolic acids (caffeic, carnosic, ferulic, gallic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, vanillic) and first gives an overview of their most common natural plant sources. A summary of the recently reported antioxidant activities of the phenolic acids in o/w emulsions is also provided as an in vitro lipid-based model system. Exploring the interfacial activity of phenolic acids could help to further elucidate their potential health properties against oxidative stress conditions of biological membranes (such as lipoproteins). Finally, this review reports on the latest literature evidence concerning specific biochemical properties of the examined phenolic acids.

The Role of Polyphenols in Abiotic Stress Response: The Influence of Molecular Structure

“…An increase in vanillic acid has been observed in Zea mays under Cu, Pb, and Cd stress [ 25 ], and in Cucumis sativus under drought stress [ 26 ]. Strong antioxidant properties of vanillic acid have been reported recently [ 27 ]. Studies on tomatoes showed that the exogenous application of vanillic acid can enhance salt tolerance by strengthening the osmolyte accumulation (such as proline), ion regulation (increase in K, Ca, and Mg) and antioxidant activities (increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbic acid (AsA)) [ 28 ].…”

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The Possible Therapeutic Roles of Phenolic Acids

“…Vanillic acid is found in secondary plant products and is widely used as a flavoring agent, a food additive and a preservative [ 170 ]. It was found that vanillic acid possesses potent antioxidative, antihypotensive, and antiapoptotic properties, as well as being cardioprotective [ 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 ]. Vanillic acid has been widely studied as a cardioprotective agent, and most reports relate its protective effect on its properties as a potent antioxidant.…”

Monitoring the effect of different microwave extraction parameters on the recovery of polyphenols from shiitake mushrooms: Comparison with hot-water and organic-solvent extractions

“…Polyphenols in mushrooms belong to phenolic acids and flavonoids and their content varies among the different species [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] ]. Caffeic and chlorogenic acids belong to hydroxycinnamic acids and have attracted scientific interest due to their health beneficial properties [ 15 , 16 ]. Chlorogenic acid is the ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid [ 17 ].…”