Anticancer Properties of Hydroxycinnamic Acids -A Review

Abstract

Hydroxycinnamic acid compounds are an important source of antioxidants due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the plant kingdom and their characteristic activities. Due to their antioxidant activity, several researchers have attributed a probable role of these compounds in the prevention of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence suggests that these compounds may also act by other mechanisms in addition to the antioxidant capacity as modulating the activity of some specific enzymes and inhibit cell proliferation. This paper is a comprehensive review of the effects of hydroxycinnamic acids on cancer. The review encompasses the occurrence and bioavailability of these compounds evidences for their effects on cancer and the various mechanisms by which may exert their effects. There are several common mechanisms by which these chemicals exert their effects that could be conducive to additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions. These include effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis; effects on proteins and enzymes that are involved in these processes at a molecular level, and other various effects through altered immune function and chemical metabolism.

Characterization of Active Compounds of Different Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Cultivars

“…In our study, a correlation between a high content of p-hydroxybenzoic and a low content of syringic acids occurred only in the case of Spanish 'Morado' cultivar. The hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, especially p-hydroxybenzoic acid, have been consistently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other chronic diseases [Rocha et al, 2012;Spencer et al, 2008]. In our study, we did not detect the epicatechin fl avonoid in extracts from Polish 'Harnaś', Spanish 'Morado', Chinese and Portuguese garlic cultivars.…”

Activity Guided Fractionation of Arum italicum Miller Tubers and the LC/MS-MS Profiles

“…It is indicated that caffeic acid esters prevent metastasis of tumor cells into lung. In addition, caffeic acid-rich Prunella (Apiaceae) extracts are effective in prevention and treatment of lung cancer [25]. Another group found in subfractions is benzoic acid derivatives.…”

“…There is an increasing number of studies indicating that hydroxycinnamic acids prevent invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. As shown in various sources, caffeic acid and their esters, pcoumaric acid, ferulic acid showed anticancer effects against cancer cells such as column, lung, breast, liver, prostate, cervix and gastric [25][26][27][28][29]. It has been determined that p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid significantly reduce survival rate of MDA-MB 468 and HBL 100 breast cancer cells, also colony formations of MDA-MB 468 cells.…”

Ferulic acid in cereals - a review

“…Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of plants widely distributed in foods of plant origin. They are involved in defence against ultraviolet radiation or aggression by pathogens (Manach et al 2004;Rocha et al 2012). Phenolic acids are the most widespread phenolic compounds in grains, and settle in crusts of piece such as mostly pericarp, testa, and aleurone (Kandil et al 2012).…”