Chlorogenic acid

Definition

Chlorogenic acid is a cinnamate ester obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of trans-caffeic acid with the 3-hydroxy group of quinic acid. It is an intermediate metabolite in the biosynthesis of lignin. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a food component. It is a cinnamate ester and a tannin. It is functionally related to a (-)-quinic acid and a trans-caffeic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a chlorogenate.

General Description

Chlorogenic acid is a bioactive polyphenolic compound mainly found in many plants, such as coffee. It is a potent neuroprotectant and also possesses antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor properties. CGA may also be involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.

Benefits

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are esters formed between caffeic and quinic acids, and represent an abundant group of plant polyphenols present in the human diet. CGAs have different subgroups that include caffeoylquinic, p-coumaroylquinic, and feruloyquinic acids. Results of epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, different herbal infusions, and also some fruit juices are linked to reduced risks of developing different chronic diseases.
These beverages contain CGAs present in different concentrations and isomeric mixtures. The underlying mechanism(s) for specific health benefits attributed to CGAs involves mitigating oxidative stress, and hence the related adverse effects associated with an unbalanced intracellular redox state.