Caffeic acid
Chemical name	3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)- 2-propenoic acid
Chemical formula	C9H8O4
Molecular mass	180.16 g/mol
CAS number	*
Density	1.478 g/cm3
Melting point	194-198 °C
Boiling point	unknown °C
SMILES	Oc1ccc(/C=C/C(O)=O)cc1O
Chemical infobox

Caffeic acid, C₉H₈O₄ is a carboxylic acid found in many fruits, vegetables, seasonings and beverages, principally in conjugated forms such as chlorogenic acid. Despite its name, it is totally unrelated to caffeine. Recent studies have revealed this acid may be carcinogenic.

Biological importance

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This compound is a secondary plant metabolite produced in dandelion, yarrow, horsetail and whitethorn. The amount of caffeic acid is strongly dependent on the source from which the plant derives.

Pharmaceutical uses

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Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis from honeybee hives, is known to have antimitogenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflamatory, and immunomodulatory properties, although as previously noted, recent studies have revealed this acid may be carcinogenic..

Carcinogenicity

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Caffeic acid was tested for carcinogenicity by oral administration in mice, it produced renal cell adenomas in females, and a high incidence of renal tubular cell hyperplasia in animals of each sex.

References

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See also

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• Chlorogenic acid
• Coumaric acid
• Ferulic acid

External links

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Carboxylic acids | Phenols | Phenylpropanoids | IARC Group 2B carcinogens