Chemical Properties of Caffeic and Ferulic Acids in Biological System: Implications in Cancer Therapy. A Review

Abstract

The antioxidant properties of caffeic and ferulic acids in biological systems have been extensively demonstrated. As antioxidants, these compounds prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause cell lesions that are associated with the development of several diseases, including cancer. Recent findings suggest that the chemoprotective action of these phenolic acids occurs through the following mechanisms: regulation of gene expression, chelation and / or reduction of transition metals, formation of covalent adducts and direct toxicity. The biological efficacy of these promising chemoprotective agents is strongly related with their chemical structure. Therefore, in this study, we discuss the structural characteristics of ferulic and caffeic acids that are responsible for their biological activities, as well as the mechanisms of action involved with the anti-cancer activity. Several reports indicated that the antioxidant effect of these phenylpropanoids results from reactions with free radicals with formation of stable products in the cells. The chelating effect of these compounds was also reported as an important protective mechanism against oxidative. Finally, the lipophilicity of these agents facilitates their entry into the cells, and thus, contributes to the anticancer activity.

Isopropyl Caffeate: A Caffeic Acid Derivative—Antioxidant Potential and Toxicity

“…Hydrogen peroxide is a key metabolite in oxidative stress [ 18 , 45 ]. Phenolic compounds act as antioxidants due to aromatic ring hydroxyl substituent reactivity, and the mechanism of antioxidant activity is elimination of the radical [ 2 , 46 ]. Wang et al [ 6 ] demonstrated the antioxidant activity of caffeic acid and its derivatives using the DPPH test; the compounds were considered potent antioxidants, presenting greater reducing of DPPH than vitamin C. Isopropyl caffeate presented better antioxidant activity than caffeic acid.…”

“…Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in plants; they protect against UV light, insects, bacteria, and viruses, all while inhibiting the growth of competitor plants [ 1 , 2 ]. They are traditionally considered potent natural antioxidants because of their ability to eliminate hydroxyl radicals, aiding in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress in membranes, proteins, and DNA [ 2 – 4 ].…”

Targeting the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway Using Phytocompounds for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

“…They are present in beverages, such as wine, tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) and coffee (Coffea arabica L.). Caffeic acid and CAPE are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties [129,130]. Caffeic acid blocked STAT3 phosphorylation by suppressing Src tyrosine kinase, which inhibited the proliferation and caused the downregulation of VEGF in the human renal carcinoma cells [131].…”

HPLC phenolic profile and induction of apoptosis by Linum usitatissimum extract in LNCaP cells by caspase3 and Bax pathways

“…Overall, diets that are rich in natural phenolic compounds have valuable effects in reducing prostate cancer incidence (Russo et al 2017). On the other hand, the synergistic action of phenolic compounds with chemotropic drugs has also been reported as an effective strategy in cancer treatment (Damasceno et al 2017;Eroglu et al 2018). Polyphenols such as Lignans exhibit anticancer activity mainly against breast, prostate, and colon cancer (Zahir et al 2019).…”