ρ-Coumaric Acid

A phenolic acid, ρ-coumaric acid is a derivative compound of trans-cinnamic acid. It is present in a variety of herbs, vegetables, fruits, beverages, and grains. These include althea, apples, arnica, bilberry, blueberries, bran, carob, centaury, coffee, cranberries, dandelion, grapes, lavender, lemon, romaine lettuce, mango, onions, oranges, peach, potatoes, spinach, St. John's wort, sweet cherry, tea, and wild black cherry. Studies suggest that many of these are good for your health too, and may be able to prevent breast cancer, help with hair loss, reduce stress, improve the appearance of cellulite, and help control blood sugar.

Research indicates that ρ-coumaric acid could help prevent or control symptoms of a number of different health conditions. Some of its beneficial biochemical activity includes:

• Improves sugar metabolism in liver and increases insulin secretion in diabetes.
• Inhibits enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into glucose blood sugar.
• Antioxidant power — scavenges for free radicals and also increases levels of Nrf2, a transcription factor protein that stimulates production of natural antioxidants in the body.
• Protects the liver against toxic damage.
• Antitumor effects.
• Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fungicidal activity.
• Reduces itchiness.