Ferulic Acid

Ferulic Acid: A Concise Overview

1. Chemical Properties

• A naturally occurring phenolic acid.

• Its structure (with a phenolic hydroxyl group and an acrylic double bond) gives it strong antioxidant activity.

• It has low water solubility and is sensitive to light and heat.

2. Synthesis Methods

• Plant Extraction: Traditional method from rice bran/wheat germ; costly.

• Chemical Synthesis: Main industrial method using vanillin; efficient.

• Biosynthesis: Emerging, green method using microbial fermentation; future direction.

3. Functions & Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Used for cardiovascular health; offers antioxidant and anti-thrombotic effects.

• Cosmetics: A star skincare ingredient for whitening, anti-aging, and antioxidant protection.

• Food Industry: Used as a natural preservative and functional food additive.

4. Market Outlook

• Market: Steady growth driven by cosmetics and health industries; China is a major producer.

• Future: Prospects are bright, focusing on green biosynthesis and high-value derivatives. Key challenges are cost reduction and stability improvement.