What is ferulic acid? What does ferulic acid do?
What is ferulic acid? Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic antioxidant found in many plants, primarily acting as an antioxidant in the leaves. It also acts as a germination inhibitor, bird repellant and increases plant resistance to pests . It is mainly found in the bran of corn, rice, wheat, barley, oats and many other fruits and vegetables. It exists primarily as a monomer covalently bound to carbohydrates, glycoproteins, polyamines, lignin and hydroxy fatty acids. Most of the FA produced in plants is in trans, but some cis and isoforms also exist. FA can also exist as a lipid moiety in the form of Steryl Ferulates. A good example is the group of compounds called oryzanol, consisting of various FA esters: alpha-, beta-, and (most potent/common) gamma-oryzanol. Like FA, gamma-oryzanol has synergistic antioxidant capacity when combined with tocopherol. It also inhibits lipid peroxidation and diene formation during peroxidation of linoleic acid by UV radiation.
What is it for? UV Protection: FA has shown significant protection when applied to human skin fibroblasts 30 minutes prior to UVB exposure. FA has been determined to help reduce and restore DNA damage and restore mitochondrial membrane potential. Anti-inflammatory: FA was shown to inhibit neutrophil accumulation and prevent UV-induced cytokine release. Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease that is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. A study in mice found that topical application of FA in mice with AD-like lesions helped reduce the overall symptoms associated with AD. It also lowered several biomarkers of inflammation in the blood. Anti-aging: Due to the antioxidant properties of FA, it is able to support the antioxidant defense system in cells. Therefore, it has a protective effect on skin structures such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin. Cons: FA also has the ability to inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin. Because of this ability, it has been used in anti-blemish products. Skin Lightening: The inhibition of tyrosinase and the photoprotective effect of FA play an important role in its skin lightening ability. Specifically, it absorbs UV radiation between 290 and 320 nm. FA can also be used in combination with other whitening ingredients to increase the whitening effect.
Are there any side effects of ferulic acid? The typical concentration range of FA in cosmetics is usually 0.5% to 1%, which is safe. However, FA is also used as a chemical stripper, typically at a concentration of 12%. One study compared the efficacy and safety of FA (12%), glycolic acid (20%), and lactic acid (15%) and measured the incidence of two side effects including erythema and pruritus. Glycolic acid had the highest side effects, followed by lactic acid, and ferulic acid had the least side effects.
How does it work as an antioxidant? The primary antioxidant potential of ferulic acid is due to its ability to scavenge free radicals. Its structure consists of three motifs responsible for this scavenging action. It consists of a phenolic nucleus, a methoxy group, and an extensive conjugated side chain.
How does ferulic acid work as an anti-inflammatory drug? Ferulic acid has been shown to have some anti-inflammatory properties. Although not as effective as dexamethasone in one comparison, it was still able to reduce inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in cytokine formation in cells induced by LPS or TNF. Cytokines are inflammatory messengers that transmit inflammatory signals to other cells. FA has been shown to reduce the amount of MIP-2, a cytokine that plays a role in neutrophil accumulation. This means that FA helps reduce inflammation by reducing the number of neutrophils that flood the injury site.
