New insights into the ameliorative effects of ferulic acid in pathophysiological conditions

Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 May:103:41-55. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.02.028. Epub 2017 Feb 23.

Abstract

Ferulic acid, a natural phytochemical has gained importance as a potential therapeutic agent by virtue of its easy commercial availability, low cost and minimal side-effects. It is a derivative of curcumin and possesses the necessary pharmacokinetic properties to be retained in the general circulation for several hours. The therapeutic effects of ferulic acid are mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It exhibits different biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective actions, etc. The current review addresses its therapeutic effects under different pathophysiological conditions (eg. cancer, cardiomyopathy, skin disorders, brain disorders, viral infections, diabetes etc.).

Keywords: Antioxidant; Cancer; Cardiomyopathy; Diabetes; Ferulic acid; Inflammation; Neurodegenerative disorder.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cardiomyopathies / drug therapy
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Coumaric Acids / chemistry
  • Coumaric Acids / pharmacokinetics
  • Coumaric Acids / pharmacology*
  • Curcumin / pharmacology
  • Curcumin / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Complications / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Schwann Cells / drug effects
  • Schwann Cells / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antioxidants
  • Coumaric Acids
  • ferulic acid
  • Curcumin