HYDROXYCINNAMIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Hydroxycinnamic acid is a term used in organic chemistry to describe a group of aromatic organic compounds. Specifically, it refers to a class of phenolic acids that contain a cinnamic acid core structure with one or more hydroxyl (-OH) substituents. These compounds are derived from the shikimate pathway, which is a metabolic pathway that produces aromatic amino acids and other aromatic compounds.
Hydroxycinnamic acids are commonly found in plants and play various roles in their physiology. They are involved in the biosynthesis of lignin, a complex polymer that provides structural support to plant cell walls. In addition, they serve as important defense compounds, protecting plants against oxidative stress and microbial attacks. These acids are also implicated in the pigmentation of fruits, flowers, and leaves.
Well-known examples of hydroxycinnamic acids include ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid. These compounds have been extensively studied due to their potential health benefits. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and they are believed to have potential in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Overall, hydroxycinnamic acids are a diverse group of compounds with significant biological activities, making them of interest to both researchers and industries involved in the development of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements.
Etymology of HYDROXYCINNAMIC ACID
The word "hydroxycinnamic acid" has its etymology rooted in the Ancient Greek and Latin languages.
The word "hydroxy" is derived from the Greek word "hudroús", meaning "water", and "ξυλον" (kilon), meaning "wood". In chemistry, "hydroxy" refers to a compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH).
"Cinnamic" comes from the Latin word "canna", meaning "cane" or "reed". This term was adopted from the Greek word "κάνναβις" (kannabis, or cannabis). The word "cinnamic" specifically refers to the compound found in cinnamon.
Lastly, "acid" is derived from the Latin word "acidus", meaning "sour". In chemistry, "acid" denotes a substance that can release hydrogen ions (H+).
