Caffeic acid is a natural polyphenol found in a variety of plants, particularly in coffee. The word 'caffeic' comes from the root word 'caffeine', which is pronounced /kæˈfiːn/ in IPA. The suffix '-ic' indicates that caffeic acid is an organic acid with a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to its benzene ring. The pronunciation of 'caffeic' in IPA is /kæˈfiːɪk/, with stress on the second syllable. Overall, the spelling of 'caffeic acid' reflects its associations with caffeine and its chemical properties.
Caffeic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound that belongs to the phenolic acid family. It is a derivative of cinnamic acid and is commonly found in various plants, including coffee beans, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The compound is named after its abundance in coffee, from which it was first isolated.
Chemically, caffeic acid has the molecular formula C9H8O4 and a molecular weight of 180.16 g/mol. It is a white crystalline solid with slight solubility in water but more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Caffeic acid possesses a strong aromatic odor and taste, which is characteristic of its phenolic nature.
In terms of its biological properties, caffeic acid exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps plants defend against pathogens or oxidative stress caused by environmental factors. Additionally, it has been widely studied for its potential health benefits in humans, such as its anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties. Caffeic acid is also known to inhibit enzymes involved in inflammatory processes and has demonstrated potential as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.
In summary, caffeic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in various plant sources, particularly coffee beans. It possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown promising health benefits in various studies.
C3H8O4, obtained from caffeotannic acid by precipitation, occurs in straw-colored crystals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "caffeic acid" is derived from the plant source from which it was first identifed - coffee. It is named after the Italian word "caffè", which means coffee. Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound found in various plants, particularly in coffee beans, fruits, vegetables, and other foods.