orthocoumaric

Orthocoumaric acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid, a type of phenolic compound. It is one of the three isomers of coumaric acid, with the other two being metacoumaric acid and paracoumaric acid. The "ortho" designation refers to the relative positions of the hydroxyl group and the propenoic acid side chain on the benzene ring. In orthocoumaric acid, these two substituents are adjacent to each other.

This compound is found in various plants, often as part of larger molecules. It can be present in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Like other phenolic compounds, orthocoumaric acid possesses antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various diseases.

Research into the biological activities of orthocoumaric acid is ongoing. Studies have investigated its potential roles in health, including its anti-inflammatory effects and its interaction with metabolic pathways. The specific pathways and mechanisms by which orthocoumaric acid exerts its effects are areas of active scientific inquiry. Its presence in the diet through plant-based foods makes it a compound of interest for nutritional science and the study of food bioactives.