Caffeic acid

Chemical Name: Caffeic acid
CAS No.: 331-39-5

Chemical Structure:C9H8O4

Molecular weight: 180.16

Function：

I. Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: Caffeic acid possesses extensive antibacterial properties. Although it can be inactivated by proteins in vivo, its antiviral activity has been confirmed in vitro experiments. Specifically, caffeic acid exhibits strong inhibitory effects on cowpox and adenovirus, while also inhibiting poliovirus type I and parainfluenza virus type III.
II. Antivenom Effects:Caffeic acid also has antivenom properties. Studies have shown that a dose of 3 micrograms of caffeic acid can completely inhibit 20 micrograms of rattlesnake venom phosphodiesterase, thus it can be used as an antivenom agent.
III. Effects on the Central Nervous System
Caffeic acid also has certain effects on the central nervous system. Through oral or intraperitoneal injection, caffeic acid can increase the central excitability of rats. Additionally, caffeic acid can affect gastric acid secretion, slow heart rate, and enhance uterine tension.
IV. Hemostatic and Coagulation Effects
Caffeic acid is an effective hemostatic and coagulation drug. It can constrict and consolidate microvasculature, enhance the function of coagulation factors, thereby exerting a hemostatic effect. Simultaneously, caffeic acid can increase the levels of white blood cells and platelets, aiding in blood coagulation and wound healing.
V. Other Pharmacological Effects
Caffeic acid also possesses the following pharmacological effects:
Immune Regulation: Caffeic acid can influence the function of the immune system, potentially exerting immune regulatory effects by modulating the activity and number of immune cells.
Antioxidant Activity: Caffeic acid can inhibit the generation of lipid peroxides in rat brain tissue homogenates, demonstrating certain antioxidant activity.
Inhibition of TRPV1 Ion Channels and 5-Lipoxygenase: Caffeic acid is an inhibitor of TRPV1 ion channels and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), which helps regulate neurotransmission and inflammatory responses.