What benefits does caffeic acid have?

Caffeic acid basic introduction

Caffeic acid is a substance found in all plants, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, coffee beans, botanical spices, and other plants we eat and drink. Caffeic acid is thought to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Caffeic acid is part of a group of chemicals called hydroxycinnamic acids. These aromatic acids are part of a larger group of chemicals called polyphenols. Like many other polyphenols, caffeic acid is an antioxidant. This means it slows down oxidative stress in the body and fights the free radicals that this stress produces. Oxidative stress has been linked to an accelerated aging process and many other health problems, including cancer and dementia.

Some skin and body care companies add caffeic acid to their products because of its antioxidant properties. A few manufacturers offer caffeic acid supplements. Most studies have found that caffeic acid can slow or reverse inflammation. Studies have also found that caffeic acid is safe, even in relatively large doses.

What is acid caffeic used for?

Caffeic acid has many different uses, including:

Fight cancer

Caffeic acid is found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. Although this research is preliminary, some studies suggest that caffeic acid may slow the development of cancer or prevent the disease altogether.

A 2015 study using 1,090 people with breast cancer examined the effects of caffeine and caffeic acid on breast cancer growth, in relation to the disease's estrogen receptor status. It was concluded that caffeine and caffeic acid have anticancer properties and inhibit the growth of estrogen receptor cells.

Additionally, a 2014 study showed that caffeic acid derivatives inhibited colon cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.

In 1988, researchers studied the effect of caffeic acid on tumors in mice. Although caffeic acid did slow tumor growth, it was less effective than the other two substances, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. Research using mice doesn't always apply to humans. In addition, the researchers only studied one type of cancer. Other, more recent studies have yielded more promising results.

A 2000 study looked at the effects of caffeic acid on oral cancer cells. Caffeic acid is very effective in killing oral cancer cells. Also, it does not kill normal cells in the mouth. The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, not in people's mouths, so it's unclear whether these results apply to people with active oral cancer. However, the fact that caffeic acid does not harm healthy cells may suggest that it may be a safe alternative to chemotherapy.

A 2003 study explored the role of caffeic acid as a treatment for breast cancer. The study found that caffeic acid can target a chemical that helps specific types of breast cancer cells multiply. In doing so, caffeic acid also prevents breast cancer from continuing to grow. Again, these results suggest that caffeic acid may be a viable treatment for certain types of breast cancer.

So far, there is no evidence that caffeic acid can replace other cancer treatments, so people with cancer should not consider it a substitute. However, the promising nature of this study suggests that consuming foods rich in caffeic acid may support other cancer treatments a person may be undergoing.

Other areas where caffeic acid may be beneficial include:

Chronic inflammation: The anti-inflammatory powers of caffeic acid are one way it may fight or prevent cancer. A 1996 study found that caffeic acid can target specific sources of inflammation, both in petri dishes and in humans. Another more recent study in 2013 showed that caffeic acid strongly inhibited inflammatory enzymes.

Diabetes: Studies in mice have found that caffeic acid can counteract some of the effects of diabetes. A 2009 study of diabetic mice found that caffeic acid can raise insulin levels in the blood, lower blood sugar and fight inflammation. Caffeic acid also reduces the risk of dangerous blood clots and lowers triglycerides, which are associated with clogged arteries and heart disease.

Similar to other antioxidants, caffeic acid can also slow down the body's aging process. This means that, in theory at least, it can improve the appearance and elasticity of the skin and prevent wrinkles or reduce the visibility of them.

Reduce inflammation

Prevent cancer

Prevention of toxicity associated with chemotherapy and radiation

prevent diabetes

Prevent premature aging

Prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease

Reduce exercise-related fatigue

Like other antioxidants, caffeic acid may help improve overall health as you age. Its antioxidant properties may help reduce your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, and other diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer's disease. Also, it protects the skin from sun damage, which in turn makes the skin look younger.